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A proposal by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger calling for a change in the way the medical examiner is appointed has commissioners puzzled.

The proposed ordinance, to go before the board on Wednesday, seeks to eliminate the office of coroner and create the position of medical examiner. It also states that the office's "top official is selected by the board president with the consent of the county commissioners."

Trouble is, according to the medical examiner's website, this already is the case. And it has been that way since the mid- '70s.

Commissioner Larry Suffredin said the ordinance "is a surprise, and seems redundant. . . . There may be a technical reason for doing this that we're not aware of."

Stroger's proposal add an unpaid advisory committee appointed by the board president -- also "with the advice and consent of the commissioners."

"This whole administration becomes more of an enigma as it winds down," said Suffredin, adding he doesn't expect the board to move on the proposal.

Calls to Stroger's office for comment were not returned.