I grew up in the small town of High Ridge, Missouri. I was always attracted to the southwest Missouri area, so I chose to attend college at SMSU, now MSU, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management. I graduated from college and started my career as a Conservation Agent when I was 21 years old. My wife of 25 years, Julie, was born in Monett and has worked primarily for the public schools as a Speech and Language Pathologist for 24 years. We are blessed with one great teenage daughter, Kelsey, and her fantastic friends.
I am a member of the Lawrence County Farm Bureau, the Missouri Conservation Agents Association, the Missouri State Troopers Association, the Missouri Sheriffs Association and various Chambers of Commerce. I am also a licensed realtor.
Receiving my credentials and commission from Director, Larry Gale, at graduation (1979)
Serving the public for 27 years as a Conservation Agent has been an experience that I highly value. I am aware that a consistently tough criminal code needs to be enforced to address the methamphetamine problem we have experienced. I am educated and experienced in law enforcement and uncovered one of the largest methamphetamine and marijuana operations in Lawrence County.
I have 27 years of experience working with landowners and farmers supporting their needs and enforcing landowner rights. I favor additional renewable and alternative energy research beyond corn ethanol. I believe further exploration into the use of resources such as cellulose material is possible. We need to promote investment and growth in these areas.
I want to see the state live within its budget, spending wisely and prudently, without raising taxes and without cuts to the programs that are necessary to take care of our older citizens.
I want to ensure a business-friendly environment conducive to entrepreneurial activity. Supporting small businesses and family farmers is necessary for the economic health of the entire county. They are the beating heart that everything else revolves around. Faith based programs need to be supported and encouraged. These programs have proven how successful they are at helping hurting people with substance abuse problems, domestic violence issues, and those not able to make their paycheck stretch far enough. They provide successful results benefiting the individuals and the community and not at taxpayers expense.
Finally, we must continue to strive for educational excellence in our schools. I will support sufficient funding to fully fund the foundation formula, and support legislation to place emphasis on early childhood education, parenting programs, and family literacy.
Received Outstanding Conservation Agent Award from Protection Chief, Bob King (1989)
Ruzicka with Gib Ross participating in the local "Share the Harvest" program ("Share the Harvest" program was developed by the Department of Conservation in 1992, a program that provides an easy way for hunters to donate venison to Missourians in need of red meat.)
"A Man We Can Trust"
What people are saying about Don:
"Numerous students have benefitted from the efforts of Don Ruzicka. As a conservation agent for Lawrence County, he prepared a day of ‘Wild Game 101' for the semester foods classes. I observed a caring, individual go ‘above and beyond’ to teach young people how to prepare wild game. Don was the highlight of the school year...whatever he does he gives it his all – he’s just that kind of person."
– Jeanne Jones (Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher)
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"We’ve known Don for several years. He will make a great representative for the people of Southwest Missouri."
– Jim & Carrell Smart (Retired, Former Business Owners)
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"The actions of a true leader speak louder than his or her words and the highest level of leadership is virtually invisible. Don Ruzicka will bring this quiet (necessary) leadership to the Missouri House. I believe Don is marked by an innate ability to work with everyone, to work across the aisles and bring people together to get things done for the people of the 132nd district and even more important, for the people of Missouri."
– Paul T. Morris (Businessman & Father)
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"The Missouri Right to Life Political Action Committee is pleased to endorse your candidacy for the general election being held November 7, 2006. This endorsement represents our selecting of you as the only candidate in your race who will be an effective voice for the protection of innocent human life."
– Missouri Right of Life (August, 2006)
If you or your organization would like to endorse Don and be added to our list, please contact the campaign at (417) 466-7609 or don@donruzicka.com
"It has been brought to my attention that you are to be commended for your outstanding performance as an employee of the Missouri Department of Conservation. I believe that state employees such as yourself are bright, innovative, efficient, and have what it takes to get the job done. My best wishes for your continued success."
– Governor John Ashcroft (1990)
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"Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Conservation Agent Don Ruzicka. In grateful recognition of unyielding adherence to the highest ideals of law enforcement in maintaining, preserving and protecting the lawful rights of citizens."
– Commander Dean Dwirthatt VFW Post 5525 (1992)
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"I would like to take this opportunity to commend Agent Ruzicka and Superintendent Allen for their invaluable assistance to our department. I am positive their quick action prevented a drunk driver from continuing on his way and eliminated the chance of some innocent person being killed or seriously injured."
"After reviewing the qualifications and positions of candidates in this race, we have concluded that Don is the pro-jobs candidate that voters can enthusiastically support" said Daniel Mehan, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber.
The Missouri State Teachers Association announced that Don Ruzicka received their official endorsement for the office of State Representative. Ruzicka has a long affiliation with Missouri's public education system.
