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Residents urge strict standards for coroner appointment; commissioners outline application process
Summary
Public speaker Samantha Doshin warned against appointing a coroner with conflicts of interest or no death-investigation experience and cited recent state bills raising standards; commissioners announced application details and pledged to vet candidates.
Samantha Doshin told the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 4 that the county should not rush to appoint a coroner without clear qualifications and safeguards. She urged commissioners to avoid appointing anyone who could "direct or indirectly profit from death" and argued that the county should uphold higher professional standards established by recent state legislation. "Appointing someone with no death investigation or pathology experience undermines public trust," Doshin said, referencing "House Bill 24 1100" and another House bill aimed at raising standards.
County staff announced the coroner application portal is live on the county home page and said applications will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. Commissioners repeatedly said they want an apolitical, qualifications-focused process: one commissioner stated they do not consider party registration when evaluating candidates and emphasized due diligence and scrutiny in selection.
Commissioners acknowledged community concerns about conflicts of interest and pledged to review candidates carefully, noting there will be some crossover with assisting coroners currently helping the county. The board did not make an appointment during the meeting; members said they will continue the vetting process and consider reforms if needed.
