The following is the response to a Northern Star questionnaire sent to all local candidates for the 2020 election. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and consistency.

Name:

Cat Brian Prescott

Occupation:

Student, Van Driver

Education:

Some college, currently majoring in Rehabilitation and Disability Services at NIU.

Position running for:

DeKalb County Coroner

Related experience:

Growing up in an environment steeped in healthcare and military service, and my own years of dealing with a disability and the social services associated.

Why are you running:

I believe that everyone deserves dignity in their final moments and beyond. Many vulnerable populations don’t get that. I want to be able to bring resources to help make sure that they are protected legally in the process of their death care, as well as postponing that need through mental health initiatives.

Goals you want to accomplish if elected:

If I get elected, I want to make updates to our facilities and equipment, with a stretch goal of being able to set up a scholarship for students who are heading into careers in the death care professions.

Why students/residents should vote for you:

The incumbent has run the office for 30 years. Now more than ever, we need a fresh perspective on what the coroner’s office does and can do for DeKalb County and her residents.

The Northern Star is publishing the candidates’ responses to our questions as they are given to us. The Northern Star is not endorsing local candidates.