Foucrault for coroner

In the last four years, the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office has faced two unique challenges — one was a lawsuit over a body part that is working its way through the legal system. The other was a serious complaint of sexual harassment and allegations of pornographic views, anatomically correct birthday cakes and inappropriate comments about sexuality sparked by a former employee who threatened to sue. The latter allegation sparked a review by the County Manager’s Office and training and a zero-tolerance policy.

That situation was embarrassing and had the chance of doing great damage to the office. While the allegations were serious, it should not define this race. But it is that situation and allegations of a poor work environment that led to the electoral challenge to Coroner Robert Foucrault in the June 8 election. Stacie Nevares, a former worker in the Coroner’s Office now employed by the UCSF police department, is challenging Foucrault once again after unsuccessfully trying the same with a write-in bid in 2006 soon after the harassment allegations surfaced. Nevares has her heart in the right place and said she wants to bring dignity back to the office. That is a worthwhile goal; however, the new structure of the Coroner’s Office has already ensured that is taking place. The loose atmosphere of the Coroner’s Office has been replaced with a more formalized structure and adherence to the new zero tolerance policy. In addition, Foucrault has implemented a new staffing shift ratio to make better use of manpower and resources, an important move in these tight budget times.