PLATTSBURGH — Two candidates are looking to fill the Clinton County Coroner seat in next month’s general election.
Scott Ewing is currently serving as the County’s Deputy Coroner and running for election.
Ewing, a Democrat, and Cliff Berg, a Republican, are bidding for the four-year term as coroner.
The Press-Republican asked each candidate two questions:
What do you see as the most pressing issue in the coroner’s office and what would you do to address it?
EWING
“The office has made a few improvements that are in the process of being completed. First is the county-owned and operated morgue. This facility is nearing completion, and therefore, I am working to ensure it is fully operational.
Second, I’m currently overseeing the recent purchase of the coroners vehicle. This vehicle was purchased by the county and is currently being outfitted with the necessary equipment.
Since being appointed by the county as a deputy coroner I have been participating in both projects to enhance the office.”
BERG
“I believe one of the most pressing issues facing the Clinton County Coroner’s Office is the need for reliable response times, properly trained personnel, and better communication with grieving families.
“I’ve spoken with families and emergency responders who have expressed concerns about lengthy response times and delays in receiving information about their loved ones. Having personally experienced the loss of my brother and the frustration of waiting for answers, I understand how important these issues are.
“If elected, one of my first priorities would be conducting a complete operational audit of the Coroner’s Office to identify where improvements are needed. I would work toward establishing reliable 24/7 coverage with properly trained deputy coroners, improving coordination with emergency services, and developing better procedures for communicating with families.
“I believe families deserve compassion, timely communication, and a Coroner’s Office they can depend on during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
What future do you see for the coroner’s office and how would you work to achieve that if elected?
EWING
“The coroner’s office currently uses a computer software system for coroner reports. This system was placed into service by our previous coroner. I see the need to build on that system to bring our office into the field with wireless devices. This will give the staff the ability to photograph, take notes, statements and enter the primary scene information that is needed to start a case immediately and not have to wait till they return to the office.”
BERG
“My vision is to build a Coroner’s Office that operates with the professionalism, accountability, and readiness expected of an emergency service, while never losing sight of the families we serve.
“I’m honored to have the endorsement and support of former Clinton County Coroner Chad Deans. I have tremendous respect for the work Chad did during his time in office, and I want to continue building upon that foundation. My goal is to take the progress he made and continue moving the Coroner’s Office forward to meet the growing needs of our community.
I want to see a properly staffed and trained office capable of responding throughout Clinton County 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“One of my major goals is to work more closely with our local hospital, CVPH, to expand the number of autopsies that can be performed right here in Clinton County. I believe we should be utilizing our local medical resources whenever possible instead of routinely transporting our loved ones outside the county. By working with hospital leadership and qualified medical professionals, we can explore ways to keep more autopsies local, potentially save taxpayers significant money in transportation and related expenses, and help families receive answers sooner. Not every case can be handled locally, but I believe we should make every effort to keep those that can right here at home.
“I also want to work with county leaders toward establishing a secure, fully functional morgue facility to better serve our community and improve the overall efficiency of death investigations.
Beyond death investigations, I believe the Coroner’s Office can play an important role in prevention and education. By working with schools, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and community organizations, we can help raise awareness about suicide prevention, substance abuse, infant safety, and other preventable deaths.
“Achieving these goals will require cooperation with the County Legislature, our local hospital, responsible budgeting, and a realistic long-term plan. I understand that improvements take time, and I believe the public deserves transparency about the progress being made.
“I’ve always said the Coroner’s Office doesn’t have to be only the last responder. It can also be a first outreach. I want to build an office that not only seeks answers for families but also provides compassion, communication, and support when people need it most.”
CANDIDATE BIOS
R. Scott Ewing
AGE: 61
Party: Democrat
Education: Graduate, Plattsburgh City School District; Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Clinton County Community College.
Occupation: Deputy Clinton County Coroner; part-time as Clinton Co. sheriff’s deputy; Threat Management Coordinator, Clinton County Threat Assessment Management Team.
Previous Government Experience: 35 years of in federal law enforcement including as U.S. Customs Officer in Champlain; service in Federal Protective Service Police, deputy with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. Appointed deputy county coroner by Clinton County Legislature in April 2026.
Civic Organizations: Current Deputy Chief of Town of Plattsburgh District No. 3 Fire Department, former chief. Past president of District No. 3, past president of the Clinton Co. Firefighters Association and served as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs from 2023 to 2024. Current member of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs Board of Directors, current deputy fire coordinator, Clinton Co. Office of Emergency Service (OES), assigned to the Fire Investigations Unit. Since 1995, Ewing has been a member and past EMS chief and is currently a life member for Morrisonville–Schuyler Falls Volunteer Ambulance Service, he is currently certified EMS and has maintained certification since 1985. Ewing is a state representative for Law Enforcement Torch Run for New York State Special Olympics; which oversees the Polar Plunge, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Go For the Gold and Tip-a-Cop; member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, Plattsburgh; member, Keeseville Elks Lodge #2072.
Clifford (Cliff) Berg
Age: 38
Party: Republican / Conservative
Occupation: Business Owner – President/CEO of CB Electric and owner of multiple local businesses. Former New York State Correction Officer and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Education: Saranac Central School, Class of 2006; CV-TEC Electrical Trades Program; Clinton Community College – Criminal Justice; North Country Community College – Pre-Nursing
Civic Organizations: Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club, Lions Club, North Country Chamber of Commerce, Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
Military Service: None
Family: A wife, Melissa, and two children, Eden and Grayson who is in middle school.