Candidate questionnaire: Mary Cotner

NAME: Mary (Scheffer) Cotner

AGE: 62

PLACE OF BIRTH:

Bloomfield, MO, Stoddard County

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

I am single. I have two children; Son, Brian Hendrix living and a daughter, Kimberly Hendrix deceased.

OCCUPATION: Physical Therapist Assistant

EDUCATION:

Graduated from Bell City High School.

Attended Southeast Missouri State University and graduated from SIU-Carbondale with an Associated Degreee in Applied Science in Physical Therapy.

EMPLOYER:

Southeast Health ( Southeast Hospital)

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART: Partner in Rental Property

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Seeking the position of Cape County Public Administrator's Office.

Presently on the board for Horizon Enrichment Day Program, for physically and mentally challenged individuals.

WHAT MAKES YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THIS OFFICE?

Most people say the best experience is "hands on". I have 39 years experience as a caregiver for my daughter, with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, she was physically and mentally challenged. Due to her incapacity to manage her own affairs, I was the one that made those crucial decision for her health care and financial needs. In this position I have had contact with Probate Court and Dept of Social and Family Services.

WHY DID YOU SEEK THIS SEAT IN SUCH A CROWDED FIELD?

After hearing that the present Public Administrator announced her retirement. I looked into the job description for this position. As the job stated I have been doing the capacity of public administrator for my daughter all these years. Upon her death, I have no obligations at home that would interfere in devoting my time to oversee these individuals to make sure their quality of life and financial needs are being met and not neglected.

CLOSING REMARKS:

The person that is elected will have to have compassion, at times firmness, patience and most of all love taking care of these individuals that needs assistance to maintain their quality of life in both capacities, medically and financially.

All I ask of the voters is to examine the qualifications and experience and don't base their decision on the political affiliation, that is not what it is about, it is about the best qualified person.