The two candidates for the Republican nomination for McLean County Board Distict 10, challenger Josh Barnett and incumbent Ben Owens have differing views on whether the coroner's office should be elected or appointed.
During the GLT Sound Ideas/League of Women Voters Candidates Forum in Normal, Owens said the technical aspects of the job make it difficult for the voting public to decide who should carry out the duties. "Being an elected office, anyone can run for coroner. There are no set statutes. I could run for coroner," Owens said.
But challenger Josh Barnett said voters, particularly in McLean County, are wise enough to know who is a good fit for the position. "I want to see that person elected and held accountable to the electorate, not to an administrator."
Three people seeking the position in the March 15th primary all feel the post should be decided at the ballot box. Incumbent Kathy Davis, who was appointed coroner 14 months ago when then-Coroner Beth Kimmerling retired and moved out of state, said she favors an elected coroner, but one that meets high qualification standards. "The states attorney needs a law degree, the sheriff needs education, and I think the coroner's office should have education with a strong medical background," she said. Davis holds a doctorate degree in nursing practice from Vanderbilt University.
Dale Township Fire Chief Ryan Gibson says having an appointed coroner would create a slippery slope. "When you have personal relationships with county board members, either prior to, after or during your post, that's going to sway county board members as to who their going to select as coroner."
Gary Morefield served as a deputy coroner under Kimmerling. He says an appointed coroner could present a conflict of interest, "if you would have to deal with something that is dealing with the person who directly hires you."
