Ronda Miller, Republican
Ronda Miller is a lifelong resident of Callaway County. She is a 1988 graduate of North Callaway High School. Her husband of almost 29 years, Greg Miller, graduated from South Callaway High School. They chose to raise their family on the family farm near Ham's Prairie. They have three sons and a daughter, as well as a granddaughter and a grandson.
Miller said she is regarded as a true friend to many fellow residents of Callaway County. Many of her friends describe her as trustworthy, kind, responsible and humble. Miller's loyalty and work ethic can be found in her everyday role with Central Bank. She began 29 years ago when the bank was Fulton Savings and Loan. In those 29 years she has helped serve the banking needs of many community members. She is seen as a trusted advisor and confidant to many clients.
Why are you running?
"Although I have been greatly blessed in my position with Central Bank, I have chosen to take on a new venture and run for Callaway County Clerk on the Republican ticket in Tuesday's primary election. I would like to serve the community in a greater capacity that helps all residents of Callaway County. I am seeking support as I take on this new endeavor which I am very excited and confident about.
"I have chosen to run for county clerk to be able to ensure Callaway County residents have polling places more easily accessible for all to attend. I would like to revisit the possibility of reopening the Carrington voting location. I am aware that since this voting place was closed, many residents from that area have not cast their vote because of the location in which they were moved. I feel everyone deserves to have a polling place that is easy to get to and not cause the voter any hardship.
"I also would like to make being a poll worker more enticing to make sure all elections are fully staffed and that poll workers can stay near to the area in which they live.
"I also would like to open the lines of communication between the other offices in the courthouse. I will work closely with the county auditor and make sure bills for the county are paid on time, avoiding late fees. I also would like to make the clerk's office more friendly and efficient. I will work closely with the assessor office, as well as the collector's office to correct assessment errors. I will be very open to audits to ensure funds are being used properly for the county's peace of mind as well as mine. I would be very honored to receive your vote of confidence and support."
Kathie Ratliff, Republican
After working for nearly seven years as the chief deputy clerk for Callaway County, Kathie Ratliff has filed as a candidate for the county clerk seat.
Born in St. Louis, her family returned to Callaway County in 1983. She graduated from North Callaway High School and completed accounting classes at the Davis H. Hart Career Center in 1988. She has been married to her husband for 29 years and has two daughters and three grandchildren.
What started as a part-time position in August 2011 quickly became a full-time job for Ratliff. She has worked in positions including accounts payable deputy and voter registration clerk. She has 17 elections behind her as chief deputy clerk, which includes tasks such as organizing more than 100 judges in 24 polling places, preparing training sessions, verifying all machines are in correct working order, and ensuring precincts are ready for the public to vote at 6 a.m. on election day. She said believes she is ready for the next step: County clerk.
Why are you running?
"I'm drawn to the thought that increasing voter outreach and education could be a catalyst to improve voter turnout. It's the fundamental right of all Americans to vote. That being said, then without question, accessible elections are required. I want to make sure that our elections are constructed for everyone equally. Moving forward, my goal is to build on and strengthen the process and communication with all of our citizens.
"The main reason I filed as county clerk candidate is the conviction I feel in providing our county with fair, accurate, accessible, and secure elections. It's something I've done for a long time and I'm quite passionate about it. I know it is crucial to have the integrity and knowledge that supports, maintains and improves the election process for voters. This position bursts at the seams with responsibility and that's why experience matters.
"In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security deemed elections as critical infrastructure in our nation. Our county can't afford to lose ground with inexperience."