Apologies for sign

I am writing this letter in response to letters to the editor on Wednesday. Kara Bettis and Re-elect Kara Bettis for Coroner campaign would like to extend our deepest apologies to anyone we offended with our sign. I am the campaign manager for Re-elect Kara Bettis for Coroner and also a cancer survivor. I have had my treatments done at Shaw Cancer Center and I am still a patient there. Having been diagnosed with cancer myself, I understand the power that images from the outside world can have on our emotions at a time when we are struggling with getting through the day. So I understand why Kara’s political sign was upsetting. Kara was there for me as I fought my battle with cancer in 2009. She is a dear friend, and I will be forever grateful for her support in my time of need. For clarity, this sign was not on Shaw’s property but on a supporter’s fence that is across the street from the Shaw Center. At our request, the sign has been removed.

Kara Bettis has been your Eagle County coroner for 12 years. She has been our coroner for so many years because she is both knowledgeable as well as an extremely warm and compassionate person. She has helped numerous people in our community get through the most difficult time of their lives. Kara’s years of experience combined with her genuine care for the people of this community gives her the ability to balance the important technical pieces of an investigation, while providing information to the families in a manner that allows them to understand what happened to their loved one. This experience cannot be taught in a classroom or read in a book. This knowledge is obtained through many long days and hours of investigations, being on scenes and communicating with families. It truly takes the right person, for the right reasons; as well a unique individual to embrace the challenges of the coroner, and I believe that person is Kara.

Eagle County residents need Kara Bettis and all that she does as our Eagle County coroner. I have watched her serve the people of this county with passion, and she will continue to lead, as well as help the people of our community when she is re-elected in November. For more information on Kara Bettis, please go to http://www.electkara.com. Kara appreciates your support and looks forward to being your coroner for many years to come.

Amanda McHugh