When Sharon Anderson retired after two decades as Rock Island County coroner, we believed her chief deputy was the best choice among three qualified Democrats to replace her.
Democratic voters thought so, too, and tabbed Brian Gustafson for the job. Four years later, we stand by the choice. Mr. Gustafson, like Ms. Anderson a former nurse, has run the office effectively, efficiently and ethically.
As promised, and like his predecessor, Coroner Gustafson has placed a high priority on serving the needs of victims and their families. We share his concern with treating victims with respect and compassion at the most terrible times in their lives. But if we have a criticism of him it is that in the pursuit of protecting families, we worry that he sometimes guards too closely and too long victim identities and details of public importance.
But on the most important issue, the performance of the coroner's office, we have heard no complaints. That's no doubt a major reason why he had no challengers in the Democratic primary.
Unlike in 2008, however, this time Mr. Gustafson faces a GOP opponent, one who boasts medical experience, a strong military record and the energy of youth.
Marc A. Ramirez holds a degree in health information management and graduated from the School of Combat Medicine at Fort Campbell, Ky. He is employed in the finance department of Genesis West Medical Center. He served twice in Iraq and said he is running "to serve the people of Rock Island County with the same respect, compassion and dignity that I provided to my brothers and sisters in arms." We commend him for running, and for his willingness to enter the political fray. We hope he stays involved in politics.
But because of his experience and his performance in his first term, Mr. Gustafson is recommended.
When Sharon Anderson retired after two decades as Rock Island County coroner, we believed her chief deputy was the best choice among three qualified Democrats to replace her.
Democratic voters thought so, too, and tabbed Brian Gustafson for the job. Four years later, we stand by the choice. Mr. Gustafson, like Ms. Anderson a former nurse, has run the office effectively, efficiently and ethically.
As promised, and like his predecessor, Coroner Gustafson has placed a high priority on serving the needs of victims and their families. We share his concern with treating victims with respect and compassion at the most terrible times in their lives. But if we have a criticism of him it is that in the pursuit of protecting families, we worry that he sometimes guards too closely and too long victim identities and details of public importance.
But on the most important issue, the performance of the coroner's office, we have heard no complaints. That's no doubt a major reason why he had no challengers in the Democratic primary.
Unlike in 2008, however, this time Mr. Gustafson faces a GOP opponent, one who boasts medical experience, a strong military record and the energy of youth.
Marc A. Ramirez holds a degree in health information management and graduated from the School of Combat Medicine at Fort Campbell, Ky. He is employed in the finance department of Genesis West Medical Center. He served twice in Iraq and said he is running "to serve the people of Rock Island County with the same respect, compassion and dignity that I provided to my brothers and sisters in arms." We commend him for running, and for his willingness to enter the political fray. We hope he stays involved in politics.
But because of his experience and his performance in his first term, Mr. Gustafson is recommended.