By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – One candidate for McLean County coroner already has experience as a deputy coroner.

Gary Morefield spent 12 years working in the coroner’s office before leaving recently to work in construction. He told WJBC’s Terry James that past experience is just one reason residents should vote for him.

“(I’ve) been on numerous cases, have worked for, I believe, five different forensic pathologists,” said Morefield. “So a well rounded background of working with the different agencies; a lot of experience working with the families and so forth.”

Morefield added working with the families is probably the most important aspect of the coroner’s job.

Current Coroner Kathy Davis, who was appointed to the position after the retirement of Beth Kimmerling, and Ryan Gibson are also running for the position. Morefield had a disagreement with Davis, saying she believes she should take a leading role in the suicide prevention program.

“I’m not against the office helping people out, but the main role is the cause and manner of death. To facilitate all that, it is a full time plus job,” said Morefield. “I can’t iterate enough, I will give them that information if they need (it), but I disagree with taking a leading role in suicide prevention.”

Morefield was also concerned amount of staff which has left the office since Davis was appointed.

“Two chief deputies and a former chief have both left abruptly. To my knowledge, there I think there might just be one or two people left from the former administration,” he said.

Morefield said if elected he would work to improve the office’s response times.  He said, from what he’s heard, current response times are too long.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].