We’re 6 days out from Election Day! My campaign has remained a positive one over the past 20 months, and will remain that way. I will not be distracted by desperate, false, negative attacks by my opponent.

• As he tries to question my Integrity: I’ve listened to our county’s funeral directors, firemen, policemen, and FAMILIES when it comes to determining what could be done to improve relationships. We need to bring back jury inquest proceedings to provide transparency and closure, and remove bias.

•  As he tries to question my Respect: I’ve spoken on how I’ve gone out at 2 AM to inform a family of the death of a loved one. Families should be the first to know what has happened, regardless of the time.  There is nothing “convenient” or respectful about waiting until 7AM to make notification as my opponent has said would be his practice.

•  As he tries to question my Compassion: I’ve started working with nonprofit organizations in the county to help raise awareness of issues leading to untimely deaths.  The office should be servicing the community as a resource, as the recorder of such events, and implementing plans to help keep the families informed of such preventable deaths.

In order to restore integrity, respect and compassion to the office of coroner in Lake County, I need your help, your voice and your Vote!

Newton spent seven years working in the coroner’s office. He worked closely with funeral homes in that capacity.

“They recognize that I’m the right guy for the job,” he said.

 Read More

The choice here is Republican Steve Newton, a former chief deputy coroner…

 Read More

Steve Newton of Antioch, on the other hand, has the experience to hit the ground running and the temperament to be a reassuring and steady presence at the helm of a very difficult post.

 Read More

Newton took part in the tour to enhance his understanding of what behavioral and social health services are offered through Nicasa, and what role the Coroner’s Office can take in assisting Nicasa.  Nicasa, active in Lake County since 1966, provided Newton the opportunity to visit the Women’s Services East facility located in North Chicago; where the focus is on Parent Empowerment, Childcare, Family Advocacy and outpatient / intensive outpatient rehabilitation services. Newton also visited the Bridge House, a residential group home located in Waukegan where residents benefit from the services of Independent living skills training, individual and group counseling, employment counseling, recovery support and family advocacy.

During the tours, Newton had the opportunity to speak to the residents of both facilities and hear, firsthand, how Nicasa has helped them. “Hearing from individuals suffering from substance abuse, and how the services offered to them by Nicasa have helped them through recovery, is very heart warming,” Newton said of the experience. He continued, “With substance abuse related deaths in Lake County is at an all-time high, it is imperative that Governmental agencies, such as the Coroner’s Office, partner with groups like Nicasa to raise awareness of the problem.” Newton plans, once elected, to partner with various organizations throughout Lake County whose goals include heightening awareness of the drug problem “right here in our back yards” he said.

Between 2000 and 2010 drug related deaths in Lake County have increased 130%.

**********

August 4th Update ~ We had an amazing time in the Community Days parade. It was great getting to meet so many people and to explain my vision for the Coroner’s Office.