I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Janis "Jann" Smith about four months ago. Never having met a coroner before, I was amazed that this lovely, soft spoken, and articulate woman chooses to do the job she does. She said one of the reasons she loves what she does is because she has the opportunity to help families during very difficult times.

Jann Smith has served 28 years in the La Plata County Coroner's office as deputy, chief deputy and as coroner. She was deputy coroner under the guidance of Dr. Carol Huser for seven years. Many of us fondly remember Dr. Huser as being such an important part of our community.

Having lived a majority of her life in La Plata County, Jann continues to ranch in the Oxford area on land that was part of the original Homestead Act. Jann has four children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom are La Plata County residents. Her La Plata County roots run deep and strong.

A very important question to ask ourselves is why we would want to change a well-run system that is currently in place in the coroner's office. Jann Smith helped create the current system and knows it inside out.

Jann Smith said to me: "I'm not a 'political' person. I just want to do my job."

Vote for Jann Smith as county coroner so she can continue to do her job for all La Plata County residents and visitors.

Jo Fusco

Durango