Publisher’s note: The following Q&As represent the candidates’ views verbatim, as submitted via email in response to our questions, and have not been edited. The Primary Election will be held Aug. 6, with voters allowed to select one of the two candidates. As both candidates have filed as Republicans, the top vote-getter will be the Republican nominee in the General Election on Nov. 5 and the presumed coroner-elect unless challenged by an Independent, filing for which is open until July 29 with certain requirements that must be met through the County Clerk’s Office. – KT

1. Why do you want to be elected as coroner?

I have previous experience serving as the Barry County coroner.

During those 16 years of service, I worked to represent every person in my county regardless of political affiliation, income level or religious beliefs. I also maintained an office that operated under budget the entire 16 years.

I have experience with hundreds of autopsies and have attended to thousands of deaths. I have dedicated my life to serving people in this industry and have taken advantage of educational opportunities to improve the level of service I can offer my community. Providing professional representation to the deceased was the top priority of the coroner’s office under my leadership. In addition to my direct experience serving within the elected office, I am a graduate of St. Louis University School of Death Investigation and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois. As county coroner, I attended coroner and medical examiner classes throughout my time of service. I also successfully graduated from Missouri Southern State University Police Academy.

As county coroner, you must work with member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Barry County Sheriff’s Office. The county coroner must attend each death scene to determine if the death was natural of unnatural. It is important for the coroner to have knowledge related to police procedures. Elected officials must staff their offices with good people who can support the needs of the county. It is important for those on my team to live by the Golden Rule. Those working under my leadership know the importance of serving each individual’s loved one with care, respect, dignity and compassion.

3. What goals do you hope to achieve as a coroner, and in what ways can the office progress?

It is my personal goal to make public safety a priority by sharing information with the community.

I currently utilize social media to share various tips and advice to help community members keep their families safe. I believe any small county coroner’s office should make it a priority to educate the public on topics that could save lives. Throughout my career, I have been a member of numerous civic, fraternal and professional organizations. As the Barry County coroner, I would be interested in partnering with local groups to share valuable public safety information with the community.

The Barry County Coroner’s Office is meant to run separately from other county offices, and decisions made by the elected official must be objective. The county coroner is a representative of all of the people within the entire county.

I believe every area of the county is important, from Wheelerville to south of Seligman. Under my leadership, the coroner’s office will function as professionally as possible, supported by ongoing educational opportunities.

4. If there is no next-of-kin direction or preference, how will you determine where to transport a deceased person after taking custody of the body?

Throughout my career, I recall very few instances where I was unable to locate a family member available to give direction regarding the transport of a deceased individual.

I know the county well and believe I am the best qualified candidate to help find family members in all areas of the county, including the Monett and Shell Knob areas. I work closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders. As county coroner, I asked the deputy or first responders on scene to discuss transport options with family members. If a family member was not located by the time transport was necessary, I selected the funeral home based on the location of the death, alternating among available options. My job as Barry County coroner is to represent the deceased individual to the best of my ability.

That is the only reason the coroner is there. I am not there to make decisions regarding where a body is transported. I am there to decide if the individual experienced a natural or unnatural death.

5. What experience do you have determining causes of death and investigating scenes?

I have the experience to determine a wrongful death and the knowledge necessary to ensure all cases are properly investigated. I have always been an advocate to ensure families are given answers concerning the passing of a loved one. I have experience working closely with medical examiners from St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Greene County offices. As Barry County coroner, I will not be afraid to request autopsies when warranted or if law enforcement of fire department personnel think further investigation is needed. I know the importance of seeking the assistance of other medical examiners.

Taxpayers expect the most professional coroner to represent the county and provide answers regarding the deaths of their loved ones. The coroner must be willing and able to get the answers citizens require and know when an autopsy or further investigation is necessary to obtain those answers.

6. How do you plan to manage your time on the job, and will you be available at all hours in case of emergency?

The Barry County coroner is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. During my past 16 years in office, there was only one time that the deputy coroner was required to attend a death scene.