Make informed choice in race for coroner

Voters must become educated on candidates’ qualifications. The office of coroner will be voted on during the July 31st primary. However, the reality is that many people do not know what a coroner does and may not realize why it is important to place the most qualified person in this position.

The coroner’s office is responsible for examining deceased persons to determine the cause, method and manner of death in cases involving homicide, suicide, accidents, suspicious or unusual manner. It is surprising that the person determining the difference between suicide and homicide (which could influence people’s insurance policies, court rulings, etc.) only has to have a one-week class to be considered “trained and ready.”

The questions the public must ask are: Is a week-long class enough of a qualification for the person that will be determining if someone I love was murdered or if they committed suicide? Who do I believe is the best qualified person? Who will I vote for as coroner?

Michael Fowler Sr., one of the coroner candidates, has often said that he is the “most qualified person for this position.” His qualifications include being a member of the National Disaster Medical System’s Team. This team has to identify deceased people in the time of a major natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina), act of terrorism (9/11) or in any cases of mass death. He is a licensed embalmer and funeral director. Gov. Deal recently appointed him to the Georgia Funeral Service Board. He retired from the GBI as a death investigation specialist. These are only as few of his accomplishments. Impressive.

Now that you know what the new guy brings to the table and you know what your coroner is supposed to do, make an informed decision on July 31st.

DEWAYNE HADLEY

Albany