In less than a week, Sweetwater County voters will have the opportunity to have their voices heard in several key races.
We hope the public will come out in droves to vote for the general election. Voting is truly the democratic process at its best, and it’s a little hard to criticize politicians if you don’t get out their and vote.
During the past several months, we have done our best to inform the readers with in-depth articles about candidate forums and we also have a political edition running in this week’s paper.
During this time period, we have tried to be both fair and accurate in reporting of the candidates and their views, and have strayed away from leaning towards a certain candidate.
While a lot of bigger newspapers both statewide and nationally have endorsed candidates for certain political races, this is something the Green River Star has not done a lot in the past.
For one key county race this year, we have however decided to let our opinions be known and hope the readers will understand our reasons for doing so.
Next Tuesday, Sweetwater County residents will have the chance to vote between incumbent coroner and Democrat Dale Majhanovich and Republican challenger JR Alexander.
We firmly believe that this vote is a no-brainer. Dale Majhanovich should remain the county coroner and if he is not elected it could be a real injustice to local residents.
For the past 21 years, Majhanovich has served the county well and has been compassionate, caring, honest and shown a great deal of integrity in a position that certainly needs all those qualities.
Whenever we have needed to contact Majhanovich about a story, he was always professional and gave us the information that he could, but never stepped over the lines on giving us something he should not have, even if it was just off the record.
Speaking with many people across the county, we have found that most share the same feelings about the current county coroner.
There is a reason he has been elected so many times.
Along with 21 years as our county coroner, he has also been in the field for 34 years. His experience is a true asset to the position.
When speaking about his opponent, we want readers to know it is nothing personal against Alexander, he just does not even come close to have the experience or training to be in the position of county coroner.
During a forum last week, Alexander said his experience of being a CNA for two years, an associates degree in health science, volunteering at a funeral home, management positions and talking with other coroners have prepared him for the job.
We’re sorry to say, but for a position as sensitive and detailed as a coroner, this is just not enough. Nowhere in his speech, did he detail how his so-called experience could actually do the job.
It’s kind of like saying, “well I’ve gone to the gun range a few times, so I think I’ll give it a go as sheriff.”
It just doesn’t work like that.
When asked how many deaths he had attended, his answer was 10. Is this the training we need for someone who is the first on scene at what is considered an unnatural death?
The answer is no. Just look at the years of experience of the incumbent and the vote should be an easy decision.
Alexander said he has respect for his opponent, but it’s time for a change.
Sometimes when someone has been in office for a long time, it’s ok for a change, but this is not the time.
Majhanovich is the most qualified for the position and no change is needed.
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