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:

Dennis J. Miller

Occupation:

DeKalb County Coroner

Education:

Waubonsee Community College/Several Years of Forensic Death Investigation Training

Position running for:

DeKalb County Coroner

Related experience:

Elected Coroner Since 1984. Also, currently involved in the Illinois Coroner’s and Medical Examiner’s Association and the Illinois Child Death Review Team.

Why are you running:

I am seeking re-election in November to continue my service to all the citizens of DeKalb County. I have worked hard over the years to make the Coroner’s Office much more efficient and cost-effective.

Goals you want to accomplish if elected:

One of the key issues, going forward, is managing and leading this office with the constraints of limited budget dollars. I have a proven track record of working cooperatively with County administrative staff and our County Board members in developing budgets that comply with their targeted guidelines and parameters. My goal, if re-elected, is to continue this work and to maintain the relationships I have built, within the community, as well as throughout the state, which is instrumental in achieving the budget goals set before us.

Why students/residents should vote for you:

My years of experience have allowed me to be able to recruit, train, and develop a dedicated staff of five Deputy Coroners, who are among the best in the State of Illinois. Voting for me will ensure this dedicated and compassionate staff will continue to assist the family’s in DeKalb County during the most traumatic and tragic times of their lives.

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.