My name is Chalonda Hibbard; my husband of 24 years is your current Adams County Coroner, James Hibbard. Jim is an honorably discharged veteran. He worked at the Adams County Sheriff's Department for 23 years in areas of interest to the position that he currently holds. Jim was a deputy, sergeant, and a lieutenant, all the while raising his three girls. Through his career he was responsible for investigation, management, policy and procedure development & implementation, budget planning, as well as security for the new Adams County Judicial Center.

When Jim retired from the Adams County Sheriff's Office, he pursued other interests and took on a couple part time jobs. He worked part time security for the US Marshall's Office at the Federal Court House, and part time at a mortuary in Brighton. This is where hedecided he would be interested in this position. Jims' first term began in January of 2003.

Being the Adams County Coroner requires a very special and dedicated person. I am not sure that the citizens know the job description of the coroner. I am not sure I even know everyting he is involved in, but I will highlight a few things. This position requires that you be trained and experienced in death investigation, as you are responsible for the cause and manner of death for every death in Adams County and Broomfield County as the Coroner is contracted by that county, you need to have the qualifications of a CEO, someone skilled in management, budgeting, organizational abilities and the capabilities of running an entire office. Last but certianly not least this person needs to be compassionate, caring and an advocate for the victim and their families.Jim Hibbardhas been this person for the past three and a half years and would like to continue for the nextfour years.

In Jim's first term he concentrated onspecific projectsto include investigator training, suicide prevention, donor alliance, safety in the office and a partnership with local colleges and high schools for educational purposes. Jim and his office were recognized as the number one Coroner's office in the State of Colorado for organ gifting by Donor Alliance in 2005. The new Coroner's Office is designed for the safety of the investigators and visitors alike. Jim has an open door policy; anyone interested in touring the Adams County Coroner's Office may do so.

Jim is not a politician, he is a hard-working, honest man who believes the right person for the job is the person with the right qualifications and can make a difference for the better in that position. Jim is a fair man, like raising our girls, the rules were the same for all and they were made to be responsible for themselves. He does make his employees be accountable for their actions and follow the policy and procedures set for every employee alike. In his first term thus far he has only terminated one employee, and that was in 2003.

Jim's opponent has tracked down a couple past employees of the Coroner's office, who left disgruntled for one reason or another and are trying to tarnish his good name. They have yet to tell their whole story, only the bits and pieces they want you to read.

My advise to every Adams County voter is to check the facts, ask questions if you want to at www.hibbardforcoroner.com and Re-Elect JAMES HIBBARD AS YOUR ADAMS COUNTY CORONER for another 4 years on November 7, 2006.