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John Shoemaker: Candidate Profile

Kane County Coroner (Democratic)

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: North AuroraWebsite: www.shoemakerforcoroner.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Coroner Age: 51Family: wife Rachel sons Mark 25, Will 18, Justin 9, and daughter Victoria 5.Occupation: Aurora Township Highway CommissionerEducation: bachelor of science in Nursing 1995 Aurora UniversityCivic involvement: Aurora East Educational Foundation Board Member, past Member Aurora 708 Mental Health Board, past Scout leader and Cubmaster, Pack 301,Elected offices held: Aurora Township Trustee 2001-2009,Aurora Township Highway Commissioner 2009-presentQuestions Answers What will your criteria be for determining if a death requires an autopsy?The major considerations for an autopsy are age, medical history and the circumstances surrounding the death. An autopsy may be deferred if there are enough facts about the events leading up to the death that are known, verified and supported by pre-existing medical conditions. On the other hand, deaths involving criminal activity, children and those in good health before death will most likely be autopsied. Also, deaths in which the investigation suggests overdose, drowning and other outside events will probably require an autopsy. Every case has to be evaluated individually.What role, if any, does the coroner's office have in preventing deaths and engaging in local advocacy, such as encouraging the use of Narcan and collecting unwanted prescription drugs?The use of Narcan by law enforcement has saved a number of lives recently, but it is not the job of the Coroner to promote its use. Neither is it the job of the Coroner to collect unwanted prescription drugs. Other agencies such as Fox Metro Water Reclamation District provide this service at no cost. As Coroner, I will focus on public service, professionalism, and my fiscal responsibilities - not advocacy, which is best left to the professionals at the Kane County Health Department.Is there an ongoing need to promote public awareness of the coroner's office and improve the office's image? If so, how should such promotions be funded?I don't believe the first priority of the Coroner's office should be advocacy or self-promotion. A professionally run office speaks for itself.What is the best strategy for ensuring the coroner's office is never over budget?Unlike the current Coroner, I am willing to work in the field myself, which will save money. The office has experienced and qualified staff as well. As Highway Commissioner, I have prepared budgets for the past six years and have never gone over budget. Short of a catastrophic event or natural disaster, there should be no reason for the coroner's office to go over budget.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?I have twice been elected as an Aurora Township Trustee and twice as the Aurora Township Highway Commissioner. I ran unsuccessfully for Kane County Coroner in 2000. I have also been an elected Democratic precinct committeeman for more than 25 years.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am running to bring fiscal responsibility to the Kane County Coroner's office. I am the only candidate who has demonstrated that fiscal responsibility in elected office for the past 14 years. My medical background along with a strong record of public administration makes me an ideal candidate. As Highway Commissioner, I have successfully negotiated three contracts with the Teamsters union and balanced every budget.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis is an inspirational leader who has opened up opportunities for Catholics that have been closed for generations.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I am the youngest of 10 children ... eat quickly.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?All of my successes and failures have made me who I am, and I'm very happy with who I am now.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I always appreciated the sciences and wanted to know why. That curiosity has always been a part of me.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard and play fair.