Robert Miller, a Democrat, and Mark Smith, a Republican, are vying for Carbon County coroner in Tuesday’s general election.

Miller is the incumbent, while Smith won the Republican nomination via write-in votes in May.

Robert Miller

Background: I grew up in nearby Franklin Township and followed my parents upbringing in doing a community service. My grandfather, father and mother were all tax collectors. I graduated from Lehighton Area High School, went on to Drexel University, have a BS in Physics and Anatomy. In 1988, Phil Jeffries, who was county coroner, asked me to be his chief deputy coroner, and I was until 2016 when I ran for coroner. I’ve been coroner since.

Why are you running for office: I like to do something for my community and helping a family deal with a situation at their worst time of their life needs a compassionate person. I want to do my part to help.

What is the biggest issue facing the office and how do you plan to address it: I need an office in the worst way. I have no place to meet with family and let them see their loved one. I also need a cooler to store a body. We have been lucky so far that every case works out. It would also be nice to get a vehicle since right now I must pay someone. I am trying but it falls on deaf ears.

What will you direct your deputies/employees to focus on and why: They must try to find a next of kin in all cases. If not, the county is liable. Right now, Carbon County has no unidentified and no unclaimed bodies and I want to keep it that way.

Mark Smith

Background: I have been working in public safety for 34 years. I received honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force. I was a firefighter for 12 years and switched careers to paramedic, the last 16 years as a critical care paramedic. I obtained experience in leadership and understanding in advanced disease processes. Over the years, I have also experienced more deaths (all ages) than I care to remember, requiring interaction with families and investigative authorities.

Why are you running for office: Very simply put, to work for the residents of Carbon County while updating all aspects of the office. When I go out and talk with residents, the common theme is “we need change.” I am the individual running in this race to make that happen. I have the leadership, and clinical background as well as a strong desire to serve with pride, professionalism, compassion and integrity. Without doubt, the best choice for Carbon County Coroner.

What is the biggest issue facing the office and how do you plan to address it: I believe there has been a disregard to how we interact with the general public and the first responder community. We don’t have the type of cohesive relationship with police, fire or EMS that is so paramount. Professionalism, courtesy, and a promptness in our responses will go far in our efforts to restore these relationships. A formal outreach program is needed for responders and the general public.

What will you direct your deputies/employees to focus on and why: Immediately, I will put in place standards of professionalism and ethics among all deputies as well as myself. Proper appearance and decorum will be a requirement. A strong focus on a thorough investigation of all facts and proper documentation. The mission is treating everyone encountered during the investigation process with the respect and dignity deserved in time of grief. We will provide support and information to the family and provide a list of available resources.

Terry Ahner contributed to this report.