Chief deputy wins coroner’s race

By Dustin Lemmon | Tuesday, February 05, 2008

The chief deputy coroner in Rock Island County was victorious over two challengers in the Democratic primary Tuesday in a bid to replace his boss Sharon Anderson when she retires later this year.

With all precincts reporting, Brian Gustafson received 11,066 votes to lead fellow deputy coroner Joel Moore, 5,278 votes, and Moline physician Ronald Fiscella, 7,321 votes. No Republican candidates have filed to challenge Gustafson.

Gustafson has served 15 years as a deputy coroner and six years as Rock Island County chief deputy coroner.

“As a first-time runner I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Gustafson said late Tuesday. “It’s been a roller coaster ride and I’m elated with the results.”

Gustafson cited experience, honesty and integrity as three elements most important to the office. He said he wants to continue the professionalism Anderson brought to the job.

“I’d like to thank both Ron and Joel for a decent campaign and I’d like to thank the voters for coming out on such a lousy day weather wise,” he said.

Prior to the election Gustafson said his experience as a registered nurse makes him equally qualified to do the job as a doctor. As a deputy, he said he already answers calls at all hours of the day.

The Rock Island County Board had three contested seats in the Democratic primary for districts 2, 4 and 19.

In District 2, incumbent Gary Freeman defeated challenger Roy Burrell, both of East Moline, with 723 votes to 253.

In District 4, incumbent Patrick Moreno of Silvis, Ill., defeated Chuck Roberson of East Moline with 493 votes to 256.

In District 19, incumbent Lauren Boswell-Loftin defeated challenger Glen Evans, both of Rock Island, with 449 votes to 374.

Dustin Lemmon can be contacted at (563) 383-2493 or dlemmon@qctimes.com.