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Outagamie County coroner candidates Q&A

Two choices on ballot Nov. 6

By Scott Bellile


The election for coroner is the only contested county-level race in Outagamie County next Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Incumbent Ruth Wulgaert is not seeking re-election. Looking to succeed Wulgaert are Doug Bartelt of Ellington, a Republican, and Travis Thyssen of Grand Chute, a Democrat.

The two candidates answered questions pertaining to their backgrounds and visions for the coroner’s office. Their responses have been lightly edited.

 

Please share any experience you have – education, professional, medical – that you feel qualifies you for this elected office.

Doug Bartelt: I have worked with the Outagamie County Coroner’s Office for 18-plus years, the last six as the chief deputy coroner. I am a board-certified nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree. I am a trained death investigator having investigated thousands of deaths, while working closely with law enforcement, district attorneys and forensic pathologists.

Travis Thyssen: As a sheriff’s deputy for 20 years I was at the forefront of death investigations, helping citizens and working closely with the coroner’s office. A large part of the coroner’s role is managing staff, relationships and budgets. I have extensive experience with these through my time as Outagamie County and Grand Chute supervisors. I also hold a master’s degree in business administration.

 

Why do you want to be Outagamie County coroner?

Bartelt: I would like to continue to build upon more than 18 years of trust and respect from the citizens of Outagamie County that I have been honored to serve. Because the coroner’s office investigates the how, when and where related to a person’s death, it is imperative that the coroner has a solid understanding of medicine, and my experience and education prepare me to ensure that all deaths are professionally investigated with the utmost respect given to the deceased as well as their family members.

Thyssen: With the current coroner stepping down, now is a good time to evaluate the office’s future needs. The average person’s perception is that our county coroner performs autopsies. However, if a death is determined unclear or unknown, the deceased are actually sent to Milwaukee for autopsies. The county paid over $100,000 last year for this service. With weeks of backup, families were delayed saying goodbye to their loved ones. Outagamie County is large enough to have its own forensic medical examiner. I have the vision to make this happen.

 

What are some challenges that would come with the job and how would you face them?
Bartelt: When it comes to public health, every case presents new challenges, so it is essential to have the experience and education to guide decision-making. I will continue to work closely and collaboratively with law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, forensic pathologists and families to ensure the integrity of each and every death within Outagamie County.
Thyssen: We are in crisis mode with opioid and mental health deaths in our community. The coroner’s office will have to lobby the county board for a larger budget and work collaboratively with law enforcement, government and health professionals.

 

If elected, are there any practices you would like to introduce or change?

Bartelt: There are many agencies involved when a death occurs and because of this I would like to foster better communication to allow for a seamless interaction between the agencies. In addition, I would move the coroner’s office towards accreditation with the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners to further enhance the professionalism and trust among the citizens of Outagamie County.

Thyssen: First: Abolish the elected coroner and transition into a forensic medical examiner’s office. Surrounding counties who also send deceased to Milwaukee for autopsies would turn to us and the office would be financially sustainable with room for growth.
Second: A coroner summons averages $200 to 250. This amount is passed along to the deceased’s family through funeral home charges. Establishing a medical examiner’s office would allow us to look into eliminating these fees. Fees vary county by county. Some do not pay fees at all. I’d like to get Outagamie County families into the zero pay category.

 

How would you serve this office with integrity?
Bartelt: Over the past 18-plus years I have been able to secure the trust of local law enforcement, district attorneys, funeral homes and most importantly, the families of the deceased. As result, I am able to bring this innate ability to the forefront as the coroner of Outagamie County.
Thyssen: The majority of my life has been dedicated as a public servant who has advocated for Outagamie County residents, and this is no exception. If it sounds like I’m angling to put myself out of a job, if elected coroner, I am. Every person’s loved ones deserve treatment with kindness, respect and dignity. Every resident deserves closure.

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