Governor Corbett announced the nomination of an East Pennsboro Township commissioner to become Cumberland County Coroner. Charles Hall of Enola will begin the duties following Senate confirmation.
CBS 21 has learned that two of the three county commissioners asked the Governor to select Cumberland’s acting coroner for the post.
Hall will replace Todd Eckenrode, who pleaded guilty last month to mishandling prescription drugs obtained through death investigations conducted by his office.
Eckenrode’s chief deputy, Matt Stoner, has been acting coroner. The Governor’s nomination caught many by surprise, assuming Stoner would complete Eckenrode’s term which ends next year.
The governor said, “Mr. Hall has exceptional credentials and experience and is well respected by members of the law enforcement community.”
He went on to say, “Mr. Hall’s nomination is supported by numerous Cumberland County leaders, such as Sen. Pat Vance and Rep. Glen Grell.”
But county commissioners Gary Eichelberger and Jim Hertzler wrote letters to the governor asking him to nominate Stoner.
“Matt Stoner has really turned the office around,” explained Commissioner Jim Hertzler. “In fact, he was the whistleblower on the wrong doing that was occurring there and was in the process of making sure that what occurred there never happens again. I thought he deserved the opportunity to fill out the remainder of the term. Next year let the voters decide. The position is up for election next year.”
Hertzler said Stoner is an experienced and dedicated public servant. He says he has proven himself capable, qualified and deserving to complete Eckenrode’s term.
The Governor’s Office says all candidates who applied for the position were interviewed. And the coroner nominee has begun introductory meetings with county officials as part of the transition to office.
CBS 21 has learned that two of the three county commissioners asked the Governor to select Cumberland’s acting coroner for the post.
Hall will replace Todd Eckenrode, who pleaded guilty last month to mishandling prescription drugs obtained through death investigations conducted by his office.
Eckenrode’s chief deputy, Matt Stoner, has been acting coroner. The Governor’s nomination caught many by surprise, assuming Stoner would complete Eckenrode’s term which ends next year.
The governor said, “Mr. Hall has exceptional credentials and experience and is well respected by members of the law enforcement community.”
He went on to say, “Mr. Hall’s nomination is supported by numerous Cumberland County leaders, such as Sen. Pat Vance and Rep. Glen Grell.”
But county commissioners Gary Eichelberger and Jim Hertzler wrote letters to the governor asking him to nominate Stoner.
“Matt Stoner has really turned the office around,” explained Commissioner Jim Hertzler. “In fact, he was the whistleblower on the wrong doing that was occurring there and was in the process of making sure that what occurred there never happens again. I thought he deserved the opportunity to fill out the remainder of the term. Next year let the voters decide. The position is up for election next year.”
Hertzler said Stoner is an experienced and dedicated public servant. He says he has proven himself capable, qualified and deserving to complete Eckenrode’s term.
The Governor’s Office says all candidates who applied for the position were interviewed. And the coroner nominee has begun introductory meetings with county officials as part of the transition to office.