Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 11-8-19

Feature
Who Believes There Is No Need For Algebra?
Re: October 18, 2019 – Letter To Editor
Mr. Mabra Holeyfield states that he could not find anyone who used Algebra in their line of work and that Basic Math should replace Al- gebra as the require- ment for high school and college graduation.
I disagree with that theory.
It is doubtful that this suggestion will ever take place. In the meantime, if you are in 6th grade or higher and cannot solve the problems below in 1 minute each, please join Howard F. Harris, Jr., for free tutoring at 6 p. m. on Mondays at the Dream Center, 2806 N
15th St., Tampa.
Problem 1. The cost of a gallon of gas is $2.30 with a discount of either 5 cents/gallon or 3%/per gallon. Which is the best discount?
Problem 2. A Televi- sion is purchased at 10% off for $400. What was the original price?
Answer: Problem 1 -- 3% discount or 7 cents off/gallon.
Answer: Problem 2 -- $444.45, original price.
HOWARD F. HARRIS, JR. Tampa
Historic Appointment Of New Judge Comes As No Surprise To Those Who Know Her
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
Jessica Costello didn’t fully understand that she was a judge until just moments before overseeing her first case.
“I remember I was just outside the door,” she said. “I took a deep breath, said a lit- tle prayer. And then I walked into the courtroom and every- thing started moving.”
Costello, 34, has been on the go since, handing down justice in Room 303 of the George Edgecomb Court- house. In the seven months since her historic appoint- ment by Gov. Ron DeSan- tis, Costello thinks she’s adjusted well to the role.
“I haven’t really given it any thought,” she said. “I’m so thrilled to be in this role and make it as meaningful as possible.”
DeSantis’s action marked the first time in 20 years that a Black woman was appointed to the bench in Hillsborough County.
That this former state prosecutor made a smooth transition to the bench is not surprising, but neither was her selection as judge, said Attorney Therese Jean- Coy.
The two met years ago as opposing counsels, but later became good friends. When Costello revealed that she submitted her name to the list of candidates for judgeship, Jean-Coy said she knew Costello was a shoo-in.
“There’s something about Jessica,” she said. “From the
JUDGE JESSICA COSTELLO ...was the first Black woman appointed to the bench
in 20 years.
moment she stepped foot in Tampa, anything she’s touched has magnified.”
And while she may be young, Costello’s years of experience in the courtroom are what matters, Jean-Coy said.
“Jessica has done things in her short career that attor- neys who have been practic- ing for a lifetime have yet done,” she said. “She is smart and she is bright.”
A native of South Car- olina, Costello moved to Florida to attend the Univer- sity of Florida and, later, Florida State University Col- lege of Law.
After a stint in the state at- torney’s office in Jacksonville, Costello came to Tampa in 2011 and worked in a local firm before taking on an as- sistant state attorney position in 2013. A year later, she moved to the Florida Office of the Attorney General as an as-
sistant statewide prosecutor. Costello said she fully
embraced her job.
“I loved trial work,” she
said. “I loved being in front of juries. I loved representing victims.”
Helping others under- stand the law and navigate the legal process held special meaning, Costello said.
“It was really important to be that conduit,” she said.
Her title may have changed, but Costello said she still sees herself as that channel, especially for those who have had little interac- tion with the legal process.
“County court is the peo- ple’s court,” she said. “It’s so important for me to make sure people understand what’s happening and the basis for my rulings.”
At the very least, it’s criti- cal for everyone who enters her courtroom to know that her job isn’t “picking sides,” but to ensure that “the process is complete.”
“I’m focused on doing the job really well,” she said.
Costello’s mentor, At- torney Lanse Scriven, said it’s no question she will be a great judge.
“She’s bright, diligent, professional, self-effacing,” he said. “I think she possesses all the traits you want in a jurist. She will do a great job for the citizens of Hillsborough County.”
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2019