State budget proposes change to coroner

TIFFIN — The latest version of the state budget includes a controversial amendment that would change county coroners from elected officials to positions appointed by county commissioners. Seneca County Coroner Dr. Zachary West voiced his concerns with the A-T, arguing that the proposal appears to have been rushed through legislative processes without proper committee examination and debate. "It seems to have originated in an amendment to the actual House budget," West explained. "The original proposal to change the position from elected to appointed was not subjected to committee review, where different parties' opinions would be considered. It was added as an amendment to the House budget and then that House budget proposal went to the floor for a vote and passed out of the House and went over to the Senate, where it currently is for consideration." He stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of the coroner's office. "The work completed in a coroner's office needs to be as free from outside influence as possible. Having an office that is accountable to the electorate they serve is important so that you're not being influenced by other entities in the work you do." His primary concern is that shifting to an appointment system would essentially make county commissioners the coroners' bosses. "If there are elements to the work that's done by the office under an appointed office holder that is not in political favor of the current board of commissioners, you can find yourself unappointed and somebody else in there," West explained. Despite these concerns, West emphasized that his working relationship with the Seneca County Commissioners remains positive. "Voters have opted to select those three commissioners as their representatives just like they selected myself." he said. Building a good working relationship is essential, but so is preserving the autonomy of the office, something he insists is a guarantee for all elected coroners in the state. Addressing the rationale behind the proposed change, West noted that some counties have struggled to find a resident physician willing to run for an elected coroner position. Proponents argue that appointing a physician might resolve this issue. However, he pointed out that there are already alternative solutions: "If no one runs as an office holder, county commissioners already have the option to fill that seat by appointment. In some cases, counties have even contracted with a neighboring coroner's office. For instance, Ottawa County already contracts with the Sandusky County Coroner's Office." Historically, Ohio's coroners have been elected positions ever since the state constitution was enacted in 1802, underscoring a long tradition of public accountability.