Officials push measures to fix morgue problems

Cook County officials are introducing measures in response to reports of stacked bodies in the morgue and other problems at the medical examiner’s office.

The county on Wednesday introduced two measures — one to make it easier to fire the medical examiner and another to require the office to notify people it is holding the remains of their loved ones. One commissioner said there currently is no such requirement. Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced an overhaul of the office.

Commissioners say they aren’t singling out Medical Examiner Dr. Nancy Jones. But they say the current ordinance allows them only to fire a medical examiner for cause. They argue they should have the authority to do so whenever a majority of them agrees.