HAILESBORO -- W. Joseph Lacks of Hailesboro is running for one of two St. Lawrence County coroner positions that are open this fall.

Lacks runs a media operations company that includes cable station WKL-TV that is seen in the Gouverneur and Harrisville areas. He is also a substitute teacher for Gouverneur schools and a New York State certified level two fire and explosives investigator for St. Lawrence County Emergency Services.

He is an active member of the Gouverneur Fire Department where he served as assistant chief for three years, and was with the Gouverneur Rescue Squad as an associate member.

He is a graduate of Herkimer College with a degree in broadcast communications and currently studies forensics online with West Virginia University.

He lived in and went to school at Gouverneur and after college worked in the aerospace business in Connecticut, returning to the county in 1986.

Lacks said he was approached by Republican Party members and was asked if he was interested in the job.

“I was asked because there seems to be no representation for the southern part of St. Lawrence County,” he said. “After considering for a few days I made the decision to run as I had many people who said they would support me.”

He said the position of coroner is a very delicate job that needs to be handled with tact and concern for victims and their families. “I have been in situations in the fire and investigation field where I have had to deal with these events. I feel I can handle the position with dignity,” he said.

Lacks is seeking signatures on a petition to get on the ballot. He has a small staff helping get those signatures.

The terms of current coroners James Sienkiewycz and Joseph White are expiring.