Decision on Coroner position still up in the air

I am quite concerned about this process. First, I don't understand how the state statute has provided it is up to the County Commissioners to choose one of three nominations given to them by the Elmore County Republican Committee. It would be helpful if the news article cited the statute. Why the Republican Committee instead of the Democratic Committee? Second, I found it helpful to review the Ada County's Coroner website. According to that website "The Coroner is responsible for certifying the cause and manner of death for Ada County cases, as well as managing the daily operations of the office. This position is highly skilled and requires extensive expertise and experience in the death investigation field in order to hold and maintain the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IAC&ME) accreditation as well as the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation." How do the Elmore County Commissioners expect to achieve or maintain this type of accreditation if Barry Peterson is the county coroner due to Barry Peterson's complete lack of credentials and experience?

This is a complicated issue. Due to the fact that it is an elected position and when Jerry Rost was elected it was as a Republican it must be submitted by the republican party until the position comes up for election again. I might add that Jerry ran uncontested with no Democratic challengers.

Once the elected position is vacant it is up to the party to provide/nominate 3 names to the county commissioners to select a person to serve out the term until next election. The county commissioners have their hands tied as they must select from those provided. In the interim there was a judge appointed substitute until the July 2nd nominations within the party are held and submitted again after Barry quit the following week.

TITLE 34

ELECTIONS

CHAPTER 6

TIME OF ELECTIONS — OFFICERS ELECTED

34-622. Election of county coroners — Qualifications. (1) At the general election, 1986, and every four (4) years thereafter, a coroner shall be elected in every county.

(2) No person shall be elected to the office of coroner unless he has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years at the time of his election, is a citizen of the United States and shall have resided within the county one (1) year next preceding his election.

(3) Each candidate shall file his declaration of candidacy with the county clerk.

(4) Each candidate who files a declaration of candidacy shall at the same time pay a filing fee of forty dollars ($40.00) which shall be deposited in the county treasury.

(5) All newly elected or appointed county coroners shall attend a coroner’s school within one (1) year of taking office. Such school shall be sponsored or endorsed by the Idaho state association of county coroners.

TITLE 31

COUNTIES AND COUNTY LAW

CHAPTER 28

CORONER

31-2805. District judge or whomever he assigns to act as coroner. If the office of coroner is vacant, or he is absent or unable to attend, the duties of his office may be discharged by any district judge or whomever he assigns for the county, with the like authority, and subject to the same obligations and penalties, as the coroner.