-The Columbus Dispatch, 10/2/08
Dear Franklin County Voters,
Welcome my campaign website! Taking the time to learn about candidates and their respective issues is incredibly important, especially when the office is not considered "high profile", so thank you very much for visiting here.
The Franklin County Coroner provides an invaluable service to the public, and our health care is better for it. Contrary to popular belief, the Coroner does NOT perform autopsies - a team of very highly trained Forensic Pathologists are assigned to that duty, which they do superbly in determining CAUSE of death. It is, however, the duty of the Coroner to make the final determination as to MANNER of death, which involves interpretation of the autopsy report, combined with toxicology findings, investigative summaries, and usually medical records.
The Coroner is responsible for compiling the annual budget, personnel management, public relations, and public safety. The Coroner is also key in assisting the process of organ donation, ensuring the continued good health of our citizens, while helping to often protect the rights of the victim by preserving evidence for criminal prosecution. The Coroner is an integral part of the county's disaster plan and is a liaison to local hospitals and their staffs. In short, the Franklin County Coroner wears many hats and only one of them involves autopsies.
The main function of the Coroner is to assist the LIVING - the survivors of the aftermath of violent crime, grieving families, and the people of Franklin County. The largest city in Ohio deserves and should demand that their Coroner have EXPERIENCE, and that is why I am running as the endorsed Republican Candidate for Franklin County Coroner. I have 17 years of administrative and medical experience, not to mention over 8 years of "second hand" experience with the Coroner's office. I have been to nearly every Ohio State Coroners Association annual meeting in the past 8 years, as well as to the National Association of Medical Examiners annual meetings. I know how to hire quality staff, negotiate contracts, balance budgets, and even make a profit. I have 17 years of private practice experience, taking care of the living as a Board Certified Internist, to help understand the processes that cause their deaths.
I believe Franklin County deserves someone with this experience who will also protect every taxpayer dollar. I believe that I am that person and I am honored to be a candidate for Franklin County Coroner.
Thank you again for visiting this website. Please come back often for updates from the campaign trail. I hope to earn your vote on November 4, 2008.
Elaine
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Elaine Lewis, Bradley Sinnott, Treasurer
6773 Lithopolis Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
