07/31/2020
PRIMARY ELECTION IS IN 5 DAY
I would like to explain I am running for the Public Administrator on the Republican ballot. This position will be determined at the primary election on August 4th so I encourage voters to pull the Republican ballot on that day.
I would also like to take the opportunity to remind everyone what the Public Administrator is responsible for.
The individual who is elected for Public Administrator is responsible to oversee individuals who have been court appointed for guardianship and conservators. They are also responsible to oversee estates of individuals who have passed who have no known will or heirs to their estate. It is the Public Administrator responsibility to see that these individuals are taken care of financially, medically and emotionally. The deceased deserve a proper burial and their estate treated with dignity and respect.
Sherry Parks, our current Public Administrator, has done an excellent job and if she wasn't retiring I would not even consider running.
My reasoning for running is because I have worked with individuals who have guardianship and conservatorship for several years. I have experienced firsthand the dynamics that goes along with working with these individuals. I understand the resources available to low income individuals to assist them with housing ( whether it's in a residential setting, independent housing, or nursing home setting). I understand the forms required to do medicaid paperwork, insurance forms, burial plans as well as other forms that maybe necessary for the individuals who require guardianship.
I am familiar with Care Plans and Quality Care that is necessary for residential homes and nursing home placements.
I am a very conservative individual who works hard and is very conservative with my funds. I will be bringing this quality to the office as I understand no one wants to be responsible to pay for something they did not receive. This is where my medical background will come in handy because often individuals are charged for a piece of equipment or medical supplies that weren't used during a procedure, nursing home stays and/or hospital stay.
I have advocated for elderly and disabled in the past who were taken advantage of by insurance companies, bill collectors, payday loan establishments and the obvious scam artists. This is something I do not take lightly and will continue to advocate for, whether the individual is a client of the Public Administrator or not.
I understand just some of the dynamics that go into place with the individuals who have a guardian over them, whether it is through a Public Administrator or even a family/friend. I understand how stressful situations and environmental changes can affect their mental stability and often their outbursts and frustrations can be projected in other ways.
This is a difficult year for campaigning with the COVID-19. I would prefer to explain myself and what I can offer face-to-face, but for the safety and well-being of individuals in the community, the individuals in the Adult Day Center and Home care as well as myself and my family the next best thing is through social media posts, mailers and fliers.
I hope this post helps you understand more about me and my passion for serving others. I was born and raised in Chillicothe and I am very proud of our community and all it has to offer. I hope in January I will be able to continue to contribute to the community by helping to be a part of these individuals lives and making a difference.
Thank you
Geri Curtis for Livingston Co. Public Administrator
