Candidate Profiles
The Monroe Times contacted candidates in area races and gave them the opportunity to submit profile information. The following profiles were returned and are published below as they were submitted. Republican Reginald M. Gill, Democrat Linda J. Gebhardt and Republican Catherine McGowan are running unopposed in the Nov. 4 general election.
Linda J. Gebhardt
Position sought: Lafayette County Coroner
Age: 58
City/town of residence: Argyle/Town of Wiota
Family: Husband, Rudy (a retired R.N. at US Hospital Madison); One son and one daughter - both married, and we have 3 grandchildren
Education: Argyle High School/Southwest Technical College, Fennimore, WI
Occupation: Donor Service (part-time) for a local nonprofit organization
Previous elected positions held: None - appointed as a Deputy Coroner for Lafayette County and have worked with this office since 1990 doing both administrative work/reports and as a Deputy Coroner in the field.
What are the top issues facing this district/board/office and how would you work to resolve them?
This position works in conjunction with Law Enforcement, EMS/Fire Dept., and Funeral Directors. It is important to keep communications open. The Coroner's Office has its own unique job to perform and each situation needs to be dealt with in a compassionate and professional manner.
What are other key issues facing the district/board/office, and how would you work to resolve them?
It is difficult in a smaller county, as budgets are smaller and tighter, the current budget does allow for proper compensation of trained Deputy Coroners. In the end it makes it harder to find qualified people to help fill the Deputy positions.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I served as an EMT with South Wayne EMS & Rural Medical Ambulance Service for 26 years. I have been involved with the Lafayette County Coroner's Office since 1990. Also am experienced in working with Law Enforcement and Medical Pathologists. As a lifelong resident of Lafayette County, also doing community service for over half my life - I see the importance of giving back and performing the best possible job to our area.
Position sought: Lafayette County Coroner
Age: 58
City/town of residence: Argyle/Town of Wiota
Family: Husband, Rudy (a retired R.N. at US Hospital Madison); One son and one daughter - both married, and we have 3 grandchildren
Education: Argyle High School/Southwest Technical College, Fennimore, WI
Occupation: Donor Service (part-time) for a local nonprofit organization
Previous elected positions held: None - appointed as a Deputy Coroner for Lafayette County and have worked with this office since 1990 doing both administrative work/reports and as a Deputy Coroner in the field.
What are the top issues facing this district/board/office and how would you work to resolve them?
This position works in conjunction with Law Enforcement, EMS/Fire Dept., and Funeral Directors. It is important to keep communications open. The Coroner's Office has its own unique job to perform and each situation needs to be dealt with in a compassionate and professional manner.
What are other key issues facing the district/board/office, and how would you work to resolve them?
It is difficult in a smaller county, as budgets are smaller and tighter, the current budget does allow for proper compensation of trained Deputy Coroners. In the end it makes it harder to find qualified people to help fill the Deputy positions.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I served as an EMT with South Wayne EMS & Rural Medical Ambulance Service for 26 years. I have been involved with the Lafayette County Coroner's Office since 1990. Also am experienced in working with Law Enforcement and Medical Pathologists. As a lifelong resident of Lafayette County, also doing community service for over half my life - I see the importance of giving back and performing the best possible job to our area.