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NAME: Tao “Tom” Martinez
POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:
Kane County Coroner
1. Why are you seeking this position?
I am committed to the belief that no parent should have to bury their own child. I will implement multiple programs for the purpose of saving lives that the Kane County Coroner’s office has failed to address. As Deputy Coroner and emergency responder, I take great pride on how I take care of families in need. I will bring that quality of care and integrity to an office that has been lacking it for almost two decades. Most importantly, this country has been great to me and I want to give back by serving the people of Kane County in my field of expertise.
2. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
Given my business background and Deputy Coroner investigative training, I firmly believe I’m the best man for the Kane County Coroner position. I am the most well-rounded and self achieving candidate. In addition to both law enforcement and an investigative background, I also offer broad business management and administrative experience from being a successful business owner. The most important contribution I would bring to the office is my ten years of dealing with families who’ve endured tragic losses and my extensive knowledge of the workings of Coroner’s offices in multiple states. I possess the soft and compassionate heart that every person dealing with the Coroner’s office should expect to be treated with. My skills have been tailored to serve this office and the citizens of Kane County deserve nothing less from their Coroner. I promise I will serve the families of Kane County with integrity, dignity and respect.
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The current administration separated itself from the theft and misconduct that followed the previous Coroner’s office, but a cloud of uncertainty still overshadows the office. The concerns include the decomposition of bodies by negligence, destruction of criminal evidence and failure to stay within budget for four consecutive years. Our biggest challenge will be to regain the trust of taxpayers and families of Kane County.
Once elected, I will search all venues to acquire equipment at a lower rate, monitor staff hours to ensure proper benefits and wages are accounted for, and ensure that all expenditures are in compliance with county auditor standards.
I will implement “prevention over intervention” saving lives rather than embracing death by establishing programs with volunteers who experienced a tragic loss as result of substance abuse, gang violence, or suicide. We will deliver a message through emotion and raise awareness to save precious lives.
Release for publication? YES
I will attend the forum? YES
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