Wednesday, October 03, 2007

The Kingfish of Jefferson

Jefferson Parish will have to anoint its first new sheriff since 1980. The beloved and sometimes reviled Sheriff Harry Lee has passed away. Harry Lee was an institution, an indefatigable, one-man political machine. He was no stranger to controversy, often taking an overtly racist -- some say realist -- view of law enforcement. He was keenly practical, sometimes bordering on comical, like when he ordered his deputies to take target practice on nutria rats to control their spread. He was generous and charitable, even if that was driven in part by his admitted design to bolster political support. There is no denying he was less than perfect, but Harry Lee also was an undeniable leader. Political warts and all, he will be missed. Rest in peace, Harry Lee.

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