Ronnie Clay has announced he will run for Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney in the special election on November 6.

He is running to fill the unexpired term of Joel Branscom, who was seated as a circuit court judge earlier this year to replace the retired Malfourd “Bo” Trumbo. Branscom’s term ends December 31, 2019, and the seat will be up for election again in November 2019.
“I was the Chief Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Botetourt County from 1996 through 2004 and I’ve been a defense attorney and Guardian ad Litem practicing throughout the Roanoke and surrounding areas for the past 14 years,” Clay noted in his announcement. “I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, what practices and programs are effective and which cause more issues than they address.”

If elected, Clay said there are several issues he’d like to focus on including:

• Bringing a drug court program to Botetourt County to address the terrible problem of drug dependency and it effects.
  • Refocusing on the juvenile justice system with a priority of speeding up the docket and advocating for more serious consequences of criminal behavior without damaging a juvenile’s possibility of future success.
  • Increasing the services, programs and opportunities available in Botetourt County, both to benefit the community and decrease overall criminal activity.
  • Working to improve the relationship and coordination of efforts with the other agencies affecting criminal justice in Botetourt County, including the Sheriff’s Office, adult and juvenile probation, the courts, social services and treatment providers.

“I am convinced that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office can be proactive in positively influencing the community, benefiting its citizens and in decreasing the criminal activity that is present,” he said in his announcement.
“I’ve lived in Botetourt County with my amazing wife, Kimberly, and our two beautiful daughters, Ruthie and Amelia Joy (AJ), for about 20 years and I love our community,” Clay said. “In the coming weeks and months I will discuss in some detail the goals I’ve listed above. It’s my hope that I will convince you that these are worthwhile and attainable goals.”
Clay also said he will work to convince those who could assist in achieving these goals that they are necessary. “Botetourt County is a great place to live and raise a family, I want it to be even better and to be a place we are all proud to call home 20 years from now,” he continued.
Clay said he’s uncertain right now whether he will run as an Independent or seek the Republican Party nomination to be on the ballot in the fall.