DeKalb County State’s Attorney
October 29, 2008
Ronald G. Matekaitis (Democratic and Incumbent)
Ronald Matekaitis has been serving DeKalb County as State’s Attorney since 2000 and looks to continue his work. As a graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Law, Matekaitis served for 13 years as a legal counsel to DeKalb and three years with his own private practice before being elected as State’s Attorney.
Matekaitis’ work has been balancing strict prosecution with strategies to deter people away from criminal acts, especially in juvenile delinquency. He has focused particularly on DUI cases since 20 percent of felony cases in DeKalb County in 2007 were DUI charges or driving with a revoked license.
Some of the things Matekaitis has organized are seminars and sessions for criminals and repeat offenders to fully understand the consequences of their actions. If re-elected, Matekaitis hopes to expand his drug court treatment program to reach out to students about the results of alcohol and drug abuse.
SOURCES:
https://www.northernstar.info/article.php?id=4700
http://www.dekalb-chronicle.com/articles/2008/02/01/news/news04.txt
Calvin Clay Campbell (Republican)
Calvin Campbell first ran against Matekaitis in the 2004 election and now he has returned for a second time. Campbell has worked in DeKalb County for 17 years as a defense attorney at his private practice and is also a graduate of NIU’s College of Law.
In his career he has served under many positions as a law clerk, a pro bono attorney, a volunteer attorney and an instructor at Kishwaukee Community College.
For the election of State’s Attorney, Campbell’s biggest concern is the increasing gang violence in DeKalb. He is looking for the help of the community’s schools and parents to educate children of the dangers of gang activity, while looking to punish the hardened criminals and dissuade those who are straying toward gang life.
Campbell also hopes to work to help schools so they may be properly funded to help educate children toward a better life off the streets.
Campbell also wants to cut back spending as he believes that Matekaitis’ office is spending too much money and needs to cut back given the economic state of the country.
SOURCES:
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/09/26/opinions/letters/doc48d983c6cf769446531174.txt
