Ron Cleek Answers Questions on Campaign for Christian County Prosecutor
The following is an interview with Ron Cleek conducted by the Christian County Sun via email. Ron is currently seeking re-election to the office of Prosecuting Attorney for Christian County as a Republican. His only opponent in the race is Amy Fite, who is challenging Ron for the Republican nomination. You can find interviews for other candidates for county office in Christian County at the August 3 Christian County Election Central Resource.
SUN: Why are you running for re-election as Christian County Prosecutor?
Ron: The main thing at this point in my life is public service. When I was a young attorney, I thought I would work in a larger firm and move up the letter to success. However, I spent 2 and 1/2 years in a personal injury firm that in the last year I was there, the gross amount of attorney fees was more than $650,000.00. It was a two man firm and I did most the work. However, although I helped some people, I could never help the number of people that I help now.
SUN: Now that we know why you’re running? Why are you running as a Republican?
Ron: I am extremely conservative both socially and legally. I feel if someone hurts a child then that person must be punished for the crime. If a person murder’s another and if the death penalty warrants it, it should be sought. Therefore, Republican is not just a party label, but it gives you an idea of my conservative nature.
SUN: What do you believe is the most important part of the Prosecutor’s job?
Ron: Being able to take on the hard cases and winning. It is my strong belief that you need the best trial attorney in court when the most difficult cases are presented. However, along with that, you need to be able to teach others how to be the best they can be as well as my time in administration to take care of office and its budget.
SUN: What accomplishment as prosecutor are you most proud of?
Ron: I was the third Prosecutor to try a 1990s murder trial of Walter Barton. Walter Barton was tried or at least a trial was started on 5 different occassions. He was tried 5 different times with Barton receiving a conviction and the death penalty three different times. At this point, the Missouri Supreme Court has denied all appeals. But, secondarily, my biggest success is the taking of this office which was very unorganized and a shambles when I took it over in 2003. Now, I have turned this office into a place for the County to be proud of.
SUN: What is your vision for the future of the Christian County justice as a whole & how far do you think we are from achieving that vision?
Ron: I have two goals at this point. One is to obtain a second Circuit Judge and the other is to go paperless. Neither are ready at this point and it may take the rest of my administration before we obtain a second Judge, but I will continue to press on to those goals.
SUN: What is the primary difference between you & your opponent in the Prosecutor race?
Ron: Experience! I have been practicing law for 25 years both in Missouri and Oklahoma. Also, I have either been an assistant prosecutor, senior assistant prosecutor, 1st assistent prosecutor, or the elected prosecutor for the last 22 plus years. I have tried more jury trials, worked against the most difficult of defense attorneys and I still win my cases time and time again. I also know how to run an office, prepare and live within a budget, and still get the work done.
SUN: Why should voters in Christian County cast their ballot for you?
Ron: Because I am the most qualified. I remember what was told to me by a friend of mine who said there is a world of difference between being the elected prosecutor and being an APA. That person was very right, and I already know what I am getting into while my opponent does not and is not qualified to take this office at this time.
You can learn more about Ron Cleek at http://www.roncleek2010.com.
Ron Cleek took part in the 2006 trial of Walter Barton, and it was a textbook example of complacency. No independent investigation. Mr Cleek has stated appeals have stopped – not true. The Order of Dismissal given on 6/30/2010 has now been vacated, and the Barton case returns to Court dockets for Review on Evidentiary issues. Unfortunate fact – the State, including Mr Cleek, in its efforts for an easy conviction, may not only have convicted an Innocent man in this instance, but turned a blind eye to evidence that clearly points towards an alternative suspect. Extremely sad that this failure on the part of the State to admit a possible Miscarriage leaves Mo taxpayers not only with the costs, but also the risks of a dangerous individual on the streets.