Voters to decide county coroner’s race today
Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Voters will decide today whether Daniel Oxford or Kenneth Lepp will be the next Benton County Coroner.
The two are in a runoff for the Republican nomination. Because there is no Democratic Party opposition, the winner will be sworn in Jan. 1, 2009.
In other runoffs today, Dave Bisbee and Bill Adams will vie for the Republican nomination for County Judge. The other runoff is between Kurt Moore and James Naramore for the Justice of the Peace District 13 seat.
In last month's coroner election - which had four Republican candidates - Oxford, of Gravette, received 6, 350 votes (45 percent ), while Lepp, of Rogers, finished second with 3, 095 votes (22 percent ).
Craig Schatz of Rogers received 3, 015 votes (21 percent ), and Caris Smith, also of Rogers, received 1, 570 votes (12 percent ).
"I feel pretty good about the election," Oxford said. "I feel good about the vote I received in the last election, and I just hope people turn out and vote."
Either Oxford or Lepp will replace current coroner Wesley Lewis, who was appointed to serve the remainder of Kimberly Scott's term after her resignation. Scott was accused of taking medications seized from death scenes for her personal use. She entered a guilty plea to the charge. She resigned from office as part of a plea agreement, and was placed on probation.
"I want to bring professionalism and ethical behavior and respect to the office," Lepp said.
If elected, Lepp said he would make very few changes except for some in paperwork and procedures.
Lepp believes Lewis has straightened out many of the problems that plagued the office during Scott's tenure.
"It still needs some work," Lepp said. "My problems with the coroner's officer is that the honesty and professionalism needs to be looked at."
Oxford has worked as a deputy coroner for more than 10 years. He led the office during much of Scott's legal difficulties.
Lepp, a Benton County Sheriff's Office deputy, touts nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency services and as a funeral-home assistant. Lepp also has worked for two county coroners.
Oxford said he's proud of his good working relationship with law enforcement, hospices, funeral homes and hospital.
"That's what the office is about - assisting law enforcement and helping families as much as we can," Oxford said.
Oxford thinks he's the bestqualified candidate because he already knows what the Arkansas Crime Laboratory expects in cases.
If he wins, Oxford said, he will continue running an office built on professionalism and respect.
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