MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Attorney Ronald R. Slemer has been chosen to serve as the newest Madison County associate judge. He will be sworn into office on Oct. 11.

Slemer, a lifelong resident of Glen Carbon, said he is thankful for having lived in the same community all his life.

“We don’t have mountains or oceans,” Slemer said, “but we’ve got good people who want to take care of their families.”

Slemer will transition from being a full-time attorney to being a full-time judge. He is taking time before he is sworn in to clear things up and shut down his practice.

Slemer said he has loved being an attorney, but thought he would enjoy being a judge just as much.

“You still have legal knowledge, but it’s a different field,” Slemer explained. “It’s like going from an athlete playing out on the field to being a referee.”

Slemer said he is looking forward to the new experience and just hopes he will do a good job.

“I’m thankful for the support by the nine Circuit judges,” Slemer said. “I’m thankful for their confidence in me to serve alongside them.”

“I hope to do a good job and to serve the people of Madison County,” Slemer added. “And I hope to be a good judge as those before me.”

Slemer prepared for his new role by practicing law for over 35 years. He said he has experience in everything that an associate judge would preside over, specifically family matters, which will help make his transition smooth.

He received his undergraduate in 1976 from the University of Illinois, Urbana. He went on to earn his juris doctor in 1980 from the Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale.

After graduation, Slemer began his career at the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office from 1978 until 1986. He then went on to be an associate at Brandt, Slate and Hildebrand for one year before becoming a part time assistant public defender for Madison County. While a public defender, Slemer also currently works as the sole practitioner and as Edwardsville Township attorney.

Slemer was the president of the Madison County Bar Association from 2002 to 2003. He was also elected as a Glen Carbon Village Trustee from 1999 until 2011. He is also currently the Democratic Committeeman for Edwardsville Precinct 27.

Slemer and his wife Debra have been married for 38 years. They have three daughters and seven grandchildren. They attend St. Cecilia’s Parish.

Slemer said he grew up in the same house as his father in Glen Carbon and enjoyed spending time at the local library. He began working on a farm at age 13 to save money for college, and it’s all been uphill from there.