Guernsey withdraws from Lake County coroner race

CROWN POINT | The Democratic race for Lake County coroner narrowed Monday with the withdrawal of Randall J. Guernsey.

Guernsey, of Crown Point, was one of the first candidates to file for the May 8 Democratic primary a month ago, but developed second thoughts during the last four weeks.

"It sounded like a good opportunity at the time, but as time passed and I saw the field of candidates, I realized my heart wasn't really into it.

"I may want to be in the assessing profession somewhere. I've being doing it so long and I feel comfortable doing it," Guernsey said.

Guernsey served 12 years as Ross Township assessor, before stepping down two years ago to run unsuccessfully for county assessor.

His departure leaves five other Democrats in the primary race for coroner: Daniel M. Bade, George Deliopoulos, Darryl L. Fortson, Merilee D. Frey and Lana Kaiser.

The winner will face Republican Andy Koultourides, of Munster, who is the sole coroner candidate in the GOP primary.

Deliopoulos, who was discussing politics with Guernsey outside the county elections board office after Guernsey's departure, said, "I'm really happy today about this development."

Guernsey said he thinks voters should consider Deliopoulos' long experience as a deputy coroner.

"I do feel you do need a law enforcement professional like myself or George, who has 20 years experience in that position. You need someone with investigative skills," Guernsey said.

Republican Peter Papageorgakis withdrew as a candidate for county surveyor.

That leaves fellow Republicans Eric Krieg, Jayson H. Reeves and Arthur Santos Sr. in the party's surveyor race.