Election Guide: Coroner Race Pits Incumbent Against Newcomer

Robert F. Balogh

Hometown

North Strabane

Professional Background

My professional background has been in public safety for most of my adult life. I spent more than four years working as a police officer for Carlow University. From there, I worked as a professional paramedic for several local hospital-based paramedic response units.

Following my tenure in hospital based systems, I spent more than 10 years as director of operations for Lifestar Ambulance—one of the largest ambulance services in western Pennsylvania.

From the ambulance service, I moved on to become the human resources  manager for HCR/Manorcare. HCR/Manorcare is a nation-wide chain of skilled-nursing facilities. While at HCR/Manorcare as the human resources manager, I also maintained the responsibility as the chairman of the safety committee and as the regional workers compensation and unemployment compensation expert. I am currently employed by the Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania as a network administrator.

Why are you running for coroner?

I believe that it is time to rid the coroner's office of the cronyism, nepotism and  conflicts of interest that exist there currently. The current coroner, chief deputy coroner and many of the deputy coroners either own or have close, personal ties to local funeral homes. This situation is not only improper but illegal in other jurisdictions. The following is an excerpt from the code from Sacramento County, Calif.:

Sec. 88. Coroner—Conflict of Interest.

No person shall be appointed to the office of Coroner, whether or not that office is consolidated with another public office, who is connected in any way, directly or indirectly, or related by blood or marriage, to any person, firm or corporation engaged in the mortuary business.

Obviously, California is a little more progressive than Pennsylvania, but it is not the only jurisdiction to ban this practice.

Even the funeral home industry itself believes this to be a conflict. Check here for more information.

What are your qualifications?

More than 30 years of public-safety experience amply qualifies me for this position. I am a Pennsylvania Department of Health licensed paramedic, NPQS Firefighter II, hazardous materials technician and hold many additional public safety certifications.

What would your priorities be if elected?

My first priority would be to meet with local public safety officials to address the issues that have been relayed to me during the course of my campaign.

Secondly, I would address the current conflict-of-interest issue. This issue, layered with the current level of nepotism in the coroner's office is simply unacceptable.

Tim Warco

Hometown

I am from Washington and have lived here my entire life.

Professional Background

As for education:

B.A. University of California – psychology
Graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Pennsylvania Licensed Funeral Director/embalmer
Certified Pennsylvania Medicolegal Death Investigation – Office of Attorney General
210 Hours of Continuing Education
Medical Technician No.32 – Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

As for professional background:

Pennsylvania funeral home owner/operator
Washington County Coroner since 1992
Deputy coroner for the Washington County Coroner’s Office for 18 years

Why are you running for coroner?

I am seeking re-election to the office of coroner in order to continue to run the
office with honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic, while serving the families
at tragic and difficult times. I will continue to serve the taxpayers in the
manner entrusted and expected of me.

What are your qualifications?

Over the past 20 years, I have handled a reported 21,414 calls, presided over 16
inquests, and performed 1,985 autopsies—which included 456 suicides, 97 homicides, 463 highway fatalities and 292 drug overdoses.

What would your priorities be if elected?

My main priority, if elected, is to continue working diligently for Washington
County as coroner. I am also working with Washington Hospital to expand the
autopsy facilities using money provided to the coroners of the commonwealth
through a fee paid for state death certificates.