Two Seymour men — one a Republican and the other a Democrat — are candidates for Jackson County coroner.
Paul Foster, 53, is running for coroner as a Republican. He is a self-employed owner of Foster Brothers LLC and FosTecH and a retired firefighter.
Jeff Walters, 49, is running for coroner as a Democrat. He is a former deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
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In 2019, the coroner’s salary was $10,983.
Election Day is Nov. 3, and early voting is open until Nov. 2 in Brownstown and Seymour.
The Tribune recently asked the candidates three questions. Here is how they responded.
What does this position mean to you?
Foster: This position would allow me the opportunity to continue my more than 21 years of community service in Jackson County.
Walters: Simply put, this is a position of community service. This position would allow me the opportunity to continue to serve Jackson County, a place that has given me a lot over the years. This particular position would allow me to utilize experience that I’ve gained through my many years of law enforcement and investigations experience to help bring closure to families and loved ones experiencing a very difficult time.
What makes you the most qualified candidate?
Foster: There are numerous reasons that make me the most qualified candidate. Upon my completion of the state-required medicological death investigation certification, I have served Jackson County as a deputy coroner. Throughout the many years of being a firefighter, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my fellow neighbor. I feel this as well as my business experiences have given me the temperament, knowledge set and commitment to the position of coroner to be the most qualified candidate.
Walters: As a veteran of the sheriff’s department here in Jackson County, I’ve been able to wear many hats over the years. From a deputy patrolman to working narcotics, I have a long history of investigations and collecting information. In doing this, I’ve been able to develop not only my professional skills but my connections within the community. In leveraging community engagement, I aim to be transparent in the ways in which our investigations are conducted. I feel as though my strong connection and engagement within the community, in addition to my professional experience, that the office of coroner is one that I’m adequately qualified to hold.
If elected, what will you do to better serve this community?
Foster: If elected, I plan to make any needed changes to the office of coroner in order to adapt as the community grows. I also intend to ensure that this office is ran in a professional and compassionate manner. I appreciate the foundation of those that have served before me and will continue to build on that foundation.
Walters: As mentioned above, I feel as though the community aspect of this office is more important than anything else to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of its operation. By maintaining close contact to the community while also working to continuously improve the ways in which we would operate as an office would allow for the utmost level of service to be provided to the community. The delicate nature of the cases in which the coroner is involved requires someone connected to the needs and trends of the community, and I feel as though I’d be able to do that if elected.