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Ada County Coroner

CoronerThe coroner serves a 4-year term and investigates deaths that occur under suspicious or unknown circumstances, or when not attended by a physician during his/her last illness and the cause of death cannot be certified by a physician. The coroner may authorize an autopsy to be performed to aid in accurately and scientifically determining the cause and manner of death.

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    Tim Flaherty
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Brett Harding
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Dotti Owens
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

1. What are the most important challenges facing your county and how do you propose to address them?

2. What specific qualifications do you have to effectively address these challenges?

3. How will you continue to be engaged with your constituents?

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Campaign Statement Bringing proven leadership back to restore integrity, professionalism, and trust—focused on facts, not politics.
Campaign Phone 208-501-6154
Campaign Email dottiowens1@gmail.com
Phone 2085016154
Office Sought Ada County Coroner
Ada County faces serious public health challenges, including rising overdose deaths, suicide, and increasing demands from rapid population growth. I will address overdose deaths by improving data sharing, toxicology practices, and partnerships with public health and law enforcement to support real-time prevention efforts. To reduce suicide, I will strengthen collaboration with prevention programs and expand psychological autopsies to better understand risk factors. I will ensure consistent, high-quality death investigations through accreditation standards and training. With my experience leading a growing office and developing a forensic facility, I will ensure the coroner’s office is equipped to meet current and future needs while maintaining transparency and public trust.
I bring over 20 years of experience in medicolegal death investigation, including serving as the Ada County Coroner from 2015 to 2023. I led the office to national accreditation, ensuring high standards in investigations, documentation, and reporting. I have managed complex cases, including overdoses and suicides, and worked closely with public health, law enforcement, and forensic partners to improve data accuracy and prevention efforts. I also led the development of a new forensic pathology facility and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. In addition, I provide national training to coroners and investigators, giving me insight into best practices and innovations that I will bring back to Ada County
I will stay engaged by being visible, accessible, and responsive to the community. This includes holding regular community meetings, attending local events, and maintaining open communication with families, law enforcement, and public health partners. I will provide clear, timely information and expand public reporting to help residents understand trends affecting our county. I also value listening, creating opportunities for feedback, and ensuring concerns are heard and addressed. By building strong relationships and maintaining transparency, I will ensure the coroner’s office remains connected to and trusted by the people it serves.