MONROE — While the bid to serve as Green County Coroner is among the few contested local races on the Aug. 9 ballot, there is no hint of a fiery, partisan campaign in which the incumbent gets trashed by the newcomer.

And that’s how it should be, says Amy Jo Walter, the former deputy coroner, who is vying to unseat Coroner Monica Hack. She says the position is unique in its role of providing compassion and rather than be critical of Hack, she plans to emphasize her “proactive” approach when it comes to winning the job.

“As a deputy coroner I was honored to help with many families during the one of their worst moments, the loss of a loved one,” she said. “I will lead the office with professional compassion.”

For her part, Hack has a formidable resume of her own; and a track record of public service. She has served Green County for the last 8 years, starting out as a Green County Deputy Coroner in 2014. She was elected Coroner in 2018, and her four-year term began January 7, 2019. 

“As a part time position in Green County, I average 60-100 hours per week, investigating cases, along with all the other responsibilities I have as Green County Coroner,” said Hack. “I believe the hours I put in show my passion and complete dedication to this position and to Green County.”

Both women bring a medical background to the job. Hack attended Blackhawk Tech College to study as an emergency medical technician and emergency room technician.  She also attended MATC, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and Northwood Technical College, taking nursing and medicolegal death investigation courses.  

Walker served as firefighter/paramedic for nearly 20 years, in addition to her work for six years as a Green county Deputy Coroner. She says she wants the office to reach out more to community groups addressing such threats to health and life as suicide and drug overdoses. But above all she says the job requires an abundance of compassion.

“No one really knows what to do or how to feel when someone dies,” she said. “The first responsibility I always have is to the families and first responders when I come on the scene.”

Hack also is touting her experience helping the county get through the recent COVID-19 pandemic and all of the public health challenges and increased morbidity it brought to the nation and Green County.

“I made sure my office was prepared with proper PPE, clothing, boots, enough body bags for the coroner’s office, local funeral homes, and the hospital,” she said in a campaign statement. “I made sure the county was prepared with refrigerator trucks and secured property to place them in the event our county morgue space was over capacity. “

Both candidates also say they have solid existing working relationships with local first responders established through their previous work with the coroner’s office.

“I have built and lead a strong, professional team, that works for our community and families with teamwork, compassion and dedication,” said Hack. 

Said Walker: “This job is more than just a paycheck — it is something I feel called to do and help the people of Green County.”