Seneca County swears in new commissioner and coroner
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
Dozens of people gathered in Judge Steve Shuff’s courtroom inside the Seneca County Justice Center on Dec. 27 to witness the swearing-in of the county’s new commissioner, Brent Busdeker, and the county’s new coroner, Dr. Zachary West. The ceremony marked a new era for Seneca County.
Judge Shuff introduced Commissioner Busdeker with a lighthearted story about their fishing expeditions.
“What do you learn fishing with someone?” the judge asked.
Judge Shuff said that, as in all of life, fishing has good days, bad days and in-between days. He has watched Commissioner Busdeker respond to all of them.
“How we handle those days says a lot about our character,” Judge Shuff said. “All of my fishing friends – including Mr. Busdeker – have great character.”
After being sworn in by Judge Shuff, Commissioner Busdeker expressed gratitude to the many people who voted for him.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the next Seneca County Commissioner,” he said. “I’ll do my best to make everyone proud.”
Dr. West was sworn in by Seneca County Common Pleas Judge Rhonda Best. He said his primary goals heading into the coroner’s office include formulating the structure of the office, with a focus on developing policies and procedures, and he plans to proactively strengthen the relationships between his office and elected officials, law enforcement, first responders and the community in general.
“I want to improve accessibility and transparency in the office,” he said.
Dr. West is a third generation Seneca County resident who was inspired to run for coroner by a conviction in the importance of community involvement. Because the coroner’s position requires a medical degree, he saw it as an opportunity to utilize his skills and training for the betterment of the county.
His first step is connecting with those who will work alongside him as he investigates deaths in Seneca County.
“I want to let law enforcement and first responders know that I am accessible and my office is accessible,” he said.
