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Family: Michelle Kalapodis, amazing pet parent and most supportive spouse.

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing

Occupation: Registered Nurse, Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse. 10 years. Currently a critical care case manager since 2023. I spent most of my career specializing in critical care, code/in-hospital crisis response, and hospice.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Campaign website: chrisforcoroner.org

The single most pressing issue facing our county is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

From the role of the coroner, an increase in opioid related illnesses and deaths. I intend on creating a live dashboard to work with other public health/safety organizations, community based organizations, and vested citizens to assist wtih real time data. Twice this year, McHenry Department of Public Health issued memos related to an increase in 911 calls and suspected deaths related to the opioid crisis. I believe the coroner’s office is poised to take more proactive action in outreach to affected communities and organizations to reduce deaths and overall harm caused by these healthcare problems.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?1 response

I want to serve the citizens of McHenry County first and foremost. As a hospital based registered nurse, I have witnessed the negative impact on local communities and health perpetuated through mismanagement oif scientific data and evidence from leaders who wish to politicize it. A coroner’s job is to accurately review data and make a determination on cause of death. My career focuses on evidence based practice, application of statistcal data and trends, and inter-discpipliniary/department teams in improving healthcare practices of care. These skills have appropriately prepared me for the role of Coroner of McHenry County.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Through publically politicizing death related statistics. The role of the coroner is determining cause of death as presented by a deputy coroner or medical examiner. Accuracy and transparency in data collection and recording are essential to improving the public health and safety of our communities.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I believe the coroner can have increased public interaction to provide additional grieving and mental health resources to affected populations. The office can use its available resources to assist other departments in impvoing public health and safety of our communities.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?1 response

A reduction in opioid related deaths/emergency calls and further outreach of the coroner’s office to the local popuilation.

Why are you running for office?

I want to improve the public health and safety of my community. I understand the importance of accurate, responsive data, and how to present medical information in an understandable manner. I have a drive to serve my community in a similar fashion I serve the needs of my patients.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

Are your actions best representing the county, its population, and will it aid in it’s progression for a better future.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office?

A smart effective budget minimizes expenses while ensuring it remains effective in performing it’s duties. Taxpayer money should be wisely spent on ensuring a department is able to meet the need’s of its citizens.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My wife and I have 2 dogs and a couple of senior cats that we love very dearly. I also enjoy iced coffee year round, being outside in nature and on water. I believe in prosperity, equality, and solidarity for everyone.

Do you think Illinois’s SAFE-T act/no cash bail has been effective?

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According to recent data released it seems to be effective and that court’/prosecuters are doing dilligent jobs on reviewing bail requirements, a defendant’s finances, and crtieria that prevent’s someone from posting bail. I believe we need more time to properly evaluate the effectiveness and impact on the no cash bail. As always, improving public health and safety is the best outcome.

Do you think state taxpayer money should be provided to ease the migrant crisis?

I believe taxpayer money goes to best serving the needs of it’s constituents. In healthcare, migrants are applicable for government sponsored insurance as not providing coverage can lead to provider’s not being properly reimbursed for providing essential services. Failure to reimburse providers will have a larger effect on being able to provide care/resources for its own populace.

Should municipalities adopt restrictions on unscheduled bus drop-offs?

Municipalities are unable to properly plan and allocate resources/necessities for large influx of population when unscheduled drop off’s occur.

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