Lewis County has been my home for more than 20 years. It is where I have raised my family, built my career, and experienced many of the moments that shaped who I am.
I am running for Lewis County coroner not because I want a title, but because I see an opportunity to give back through service.
I chose to run as an independent because I believe the coroner should serve the entire community without political bias and maintain the independence necessary to make decisions based on facts, professional standards and what is right for the people we serve.
I began working in medicolegal death investigation in 2009 as a Lewis County deputy coroner and have since gained experience in multiple counties and in both coroner and medical examiner systems. I hold a Master of Science in Studies in Human Behavior and am a diplomate of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, a certified psychological autopsy practitioner, and an experienced pathology diener.
I have continued investing in my education throughout my career, including education in positive psychology through Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School and Leadership for Purposeful Change through Harvard University’s online learning initiative.
I believe good public service requires the humility and commitment to never stop learning, growing and improving.
Throughout my career, I have met families on some of the worst days of their lives. That has never become routine to me. Behind every case is a person whose life mattered and people left behind who deserve compassion, dignity, clear communication and respect.
Throughout this campaign, families, community members and professional partners have shared concerns with me about their experiences with the coroner’s office, particularly regarding communication, transparency, professional relationships, investigative practices and support following a death.
I take those concerns seriously, but I also believe accountability should be constructive.
We cannot change the past, but we can learn from mistakes, identify where systems can improve, and use those lessons to provide better service moving forward.
If elected, I want to strengthen investigative practices and professional development, improve communication and accessibility, build strong partnerships, provide families with meaningful aftercare resources, increase transparency and accountability, and use what we learn through death investigation to support prevention.
I also believe elected officials should be partners in accountability and willing to ask difficult questions, accept questions themselves, acknowledge mistakes, and work together while respecting the independence of each office.
My approach to leadership is rooted in service and humility. I don't have all the answers, and I don't believe good leaders pretend they do. I will listen, continue learning, acknowledge mistakes and value the knowledge and strengths of those around me.
Ultimately, I want to leave the coroner’s office stronger than I found it and worthy of the trust placed in it by the community I call home.
Compassion. Service. Prevention.
These are more than campaign words. They represent how I intend to serve.
Jessica Stickley
Toledo
Candidate for Lewis County coroner
Editor’s note: The Chronicle allows political candidates to publish one letter per election cycle. To submit a letter, email letters@chronline.com.
