Tao "Tom" Martinez: Candidate Profile

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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: martinez4coroner.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Coroner Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Wife, Rene Summerville; Children, Tyler, Kaylee and BrieannOccupation: Emergency Responder / Private Business OwnerEducation: Associate Degree in Business and Management, Medicolegal Death Investigation from St. Louis University, Lead Homicide Investigation training and multiple forensic certificationsCivic involvement: Activist of Substance Abuse, Anti- Gang Violence and Suicide PreventionI firmly believes that prevention is better than intervention. To that end I am working with author Robert Renteria to distribute free copies of his book "From the Barrio to the Boardroom" to Hispanic teenagers who need to understand they have options.Elected offices held: Ran for Kane County Coroner 2012Kendall Deputy Coroner for 4 yearsQuestions Answers Can the coroner's office be expected to always be on budget? Or are there unpredictable expenses that will always create the potential for going over budget?My administration will live within its means! My administrative experience separates me from my opponent. There's no excuse for the current Coroner to go over budget four consecutive years. Once elected, I will find venues to acquire equipment at a lower rate, staff hours will be monitored to ensure proper benefits and wages. All expenditures will be in compliance with county auditor standards. In case of a mass casualty event, a volunteer deputy coroner "Off Duty Program" where people of various backgrounds will be trained and deputized to assist the Coroner's office with any incident that exceeds standard operations.Does the coroner's office have appropriate staffing to ensure fair work hours and minimize overtime costs?Absolutely there is suitable staffing; however, the Coroner's current 24 hour on-call policy, where staff gets paid whether they go out on a call or not, is far too cumbersome and too expensive. I will establish an efficient 24 hour shift that will eliminate overtime and per diem expense. That will be the first policy I will change if elected.Finally, I will create an intern program which would utilize volunteers studying criminal justice or medical programs to perform certain tasks and eventually become off duty deputies that can be utilized in the event of a mass casualty event.Does the coroner's office need to be updated? If so, how would the new or upgraded facility be paid for?Yes it needs updates but a state of the art facility should not by any means, be a substitute for quality of care or intergity of a well conduced investigation. What the current Coroner does not understand is that Rome wasn't built in a day! My first step will be to work cooperatively with the County Board to address this issue via a long-term capital plan. The second will be to follow in the Kendall County Coroner's footsteps by financing a new facility through as many private sector donations as possible.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?Having the coroner's office as a drop off center for unwanted prescription drugs is a good idea. While Narcan is a great tool in the law enforcement and medical response arsenal, it's not nearly as effective in the Coroner's hands. There are better ways for the Coroner to take the lead in preventing unnecessary deaths. I will implement a 'Prevention Over Intervention' program using volunteers who have experienced a tragic loss as a result of substance abuse, gang violence, or suicide. These volunteers will reach out to the community, raise awareness, and save precious lives.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?Restoring integrity, dignity and respect to the Coroner's office is the best way to improve an image that has suffered for almost two decades. Implementing and supporting programs to prevent death would also improve the Coroner's image. Such efforts should be volunter based and funded through donations and fundraisers rather than taxpayer dollars! Currently I'm working with author Robert Renteria and am personally donating his award winning books to young children in an effort to extend prevention against the heroin epidemic, gang violence, and suicide. I truly believe no parent should ever have to bury their own child!What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As a business owner and head of the family, I understand we can't spend more than we take in. The Coroner's office is no different. I will streamline standard operating procedures for autopsies by relying on investigative skills, on a case by case basis and only when an autopsy is necessary. Burdening a family with an unnecessary autopsy is not appropriate. Compassion is critical when dealing with customers who are facing the tragic death of a loved one. The key to a successful administration is to treat everyone with respect and kindness. I rather save lives than embrace death.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg an activist who became a success story. He cares for greater causes like advancing human potential and promoting equality.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Though love is real love!First be a parent so you can be a friend later.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?trying to prevent my brother from getting killed so he could grow to see his daughter smile.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved math! I realized you can apply the same principle to life. The key is to find the "formula" that leads to success.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I tell my three children that no one can stop them from following their dreams and achieving their goals but themselves.