Kelly Lear, unopposed candidate for Arapahoe County coroner

(Unopposed incumbent)

Party: Republican

City or town of residence: Littleton

Profession: Coroner/forensic pathologist

Campaign Website: kellylearmdforcoroner.com

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because I believe that this position should be held by a medical doctor who's board certified to practice forensic pathology; no other person has the necessary medical education or experience in Arapahoe County to successfully run this office in accordance with nationally-recognized standards. The office of coroner should not be about partisan politics; my job as coroner is to respectfully serve the decedents and their families by upholding a medically-based system.

What are the most important traits or skills for a coroner to possess?

The position of elected coroner is often seen as an outdated relic of colonial times. The coroner's job is to decide who needs an autopsy and determine cause and manner of death; the forensic pathologist is the person who performs autopsies to make those determinations, and passes that information back to a coroner. Having a pathologist as coroner eliminates a layer of bureaucracy and puts the medical decisions into the hands of trained medical professionals.

What must an effective coroner accomplish?

An effective coroner must use knowledge in both medicine and medicolegal death investigation to manage resources in determining appropriateness of autopsy; must knowledgeably and independently answer questions for family members, law enforcement, and attorneys surrounding individual deaths; and must provide information to public health officials and citizens regarding broader categories of death while championing prevention efforts to advance the health of our community.

What have been some of your key accomplishments in the office so far?

My key accomplishments include achieving and maintaining national accreditation of the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office by the National Association of Medical Examiners, representing the gold standard of service to our constituents. Only four coroner's offices in Colorado, and approximately 75 offices nationwide hold this accreditation. My office has continued to be one of the largest referral offices to organ and tissue donation agencies, and maintains a respected position through collaboration with various community partners.

What else should voters know about you?

I am a Colorado native, obtained my medical doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and have over 20 years of experience with the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office. I hold positions on many local, statewide, and national committees and am a nationally-recognized expert in child death investigation and autopsy.