Circuit Court Judge Challenger Says it`s Time for Change

Only one circuit judge seat is being contested in the August primary election. The newcomer says he has long-term ties to the community and its courts. Daniel Radke said, "I have four children and nine grandchildren all who live in Buchanan or Andrew county. I will bring an understanding of the community to the bench when I apply the law." Division Three Circuit Court Candidate Daniel Radke says growing up in St. Joseph is one reason why he`s the perfect fit for the job. The Central High school graduate joined the Army as a combat medic during Vietnam. After the war, Radke graduated from both Missouri Western State University and then the University of Missouri-Columbia law school. Radke says his experience in the trenches of law is something his opponent doesn`t have. "He`s been either a judge or prosecutor for all of his professional life. I have represented people who`ve been charged with speeding tickets up to capital murder cases. I have a broad perspective of the legal system that my opponent doesn`t have." Radke says Judge Patrick Robb has been on the bench too long. Radke said, "When an elected official, especially a judge, has been in office for too long they kind of lose touch with the community." Radke says a fresh face could make what he calls much needed changes in the Fifth Judicial District. Radke said, "The drug court is a good concept but it has to be available to everyone. It`s been my experience that the drug court isn`t available to many people in Andrew County. So if you live just a centimeter outside of Buchanan County you can`t go through it. We have to make it available in Andrew County." Radke says the court should worry less about statistics and more about justice. "Sometimes a judge pushes a case through so quickly that it results in a denial of justice." Radke says he`s ready to bring fair, unbiased justice to the bench. Radke said, "It doesn`t matter whether the parties are black, white, hispanic, rich, poor the judge has a duty to listen to the parties and not to consider the individual factors of who represents them or how much money they have. I firmly believe that and I will apply that." KQ2 will talk with incumbent Presiding Judge Patrick Robb tomorrow to hear his platform and qualifications. What does it take to get behind the bench...here`s a look. Circuit judges must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 10 years, a qualified voter for three years and a resident of the circuit they are campaigning for at least one year. They must also be licensed to practice law in Missouri. Buchanan County Circuit Judge Keith Marquart says, even though an attorney can make as much money for one case as a judge does an entire year, there are still many reasons to go for a bench spot. Marquart said, "To help people with their problems whether it be alcoholism or drug abuse or domestic violence. You have the ability to get that person in the right programs so those won`t be reoccurring problems in their lives or reoccurring problems for the community. Election day is August 8th.