David Stillinger and Joe Fortner are seeking the Republican nomination for county coroner in the June 2 primary election. The Daily Reporter asked both men a series of questions about their qualifications. Each of their responses is posted in a separate story located under the “News” tab on our site.
What experience and background makes you best qualified for this office?
I am the only candidate with 38 years of experience in emergency medicine and 25 years in law enforcement. I also have previous experience as a deputy coroner. That is what makes me the most qualified to be your next Hancock County coroner.
At a time of pandemic and attention focusing more on public health and mortality, what role could the county coroner play in aiding the publics understanding of these issues?
Educating the public to be sure that they are getting their information from a creditable source, like the CDC. So that the public understands and follows the recommendations of the CDC and following guidelines put in place by state and local officials.
What are the most significant issues facing the coroner’s office and what is your plan to address them?
Not having an office is an issue and would help tremendously. This would give the coroner a secure and localized location to keep records and a place to conduct interviews. Currently, if a loved one dies and the coroner is investigating the case, the family is forced to meet with the coroner at a funeral home to discuss the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved one. An office would add privacy and be a more appropriate place to meet with a grieving family during the investigation. I plan to work closely with the county commissioners and the county council to have an office in one of the county buildings.
I am not privy to all the issues that the coroner’s office is currently facing due to not being part of the coroner’s office. I would begin by reviewing current policies and procedures to see what can be improved, or create them if they do not exist.
I would also meet as a department (coroner and deputy coroners) no less than once a month to review cases, discuss updates, ongoing training, etc.
I would recommend everyone research the state statues of responsibilities of county coroners. It is not just determining the cause/nature of death. It also includes investigation, and, in the event, the county sheriff and chief deputy become incapacitated, the county coroner would step in and lead the department. Therefore, my law enforcement backgrounds sets me above my opponent.
