Oxford for Coroner
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/Editorial/61727/
Looking back on our interview with county coroner candidate Daniel Oxford, the thing that stands out for us is his headboard. Or, at least, Oxford’s description of his headboard.
The deputy coroner told us that he built a headboard for his bed that includes a space for his pager, scanner and phone — the tools of his trade.
While some might see that devotion to duty as a bit extreme, we see in it a dedication that’s all too rare in positions of public service such as the coroner’s office. More than anything else, it’s that obvious level of devotion that leads us to support Oxford in the race for coroner.
Of course, Oxford’s experience is also a plus. He knows the inner workings of the coroner’s office — what’s working and what needs improvement — and has had years to develop relationships with people and organizations the office deals with.
We believe Oxford can maintain good working relationships with area law enforcement agencies — something not all past coroners have excelled at, to say the least. And Oxford gave thoughtful answers to questions about interacting with the recently-bereaved, a sometimes overlooked aspect of the coroner’s duties.
There are three other people in this race — Kenneth Lepp, Craig Schatz and Caris Smith — and we’ve seen nothing to indicate any of them would be bad coroners. But Oxford’s experience and devotion to the office set him apart.