Smith to resign by end of week

LISBON - Columbiana County Sheriff David Smith is expected to resign by the end of this week to take another job, with county Republicans set to meet Sept. 8 to name a replacement for his unexpired term, a recent GOP letter said.

County Republican Party Chairman David Johnson confirmed Tuesday that a letter had been sent to members of the party's Central Committee to notify them of the meeting and about Smith's intentions.

The 58-year-old Smith had not issued any press releases regarding his retirement or resignation, although he's made no secret about his plans to leave if he found other employment. Messages were left for him Tuesday at his East Liverpool home and on his cell phone for comment, but no calls were returned.

"Effective Friday, Aug. 29, Sheriff David Smith will have resigned his office in order to assume a new position with the Security Office at the Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Casino. In accordance with both Ohio Revised Code, Title 3, Section 305.02 and the Columbiana County Republican Party's By-Laws, the county Republican Central Committee has not less than four days nor more than 45 days after this vacancy in office occurs to meet and vote on a replacement," the letter dated Aug. 22 said.

The meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at St. George Catholic Church Hall, 278 W. High St., Lisbon, one block west of Beaver Street.

Johnson said he'll be recommending the appointment of Perry Twp. Police Chief Ray Stone, already the chosen Republican candidate for the position on the Nov. 4 ballot. Stone's opponent on the ballot will be Democratic candidate John Soldano, Leetonia Police Chief.

Smith's expected exit after 30 years in law enforcement, mostly with the Sheriff's Office where he's served as sheriff for nearly two terms, comes nine months after his arrest on Oct. 11 on Interstate 70 for drunk driving. Smith had intended to run for re-election and filed his petitions after the incident, but withdrew before the March primary with his case still pending.

In April, he pled guilty to the first-degree misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which by law bars him from ever running for sheriff again. He received a suspended jail sentence and completed an alcohol education program and paid a $600 fine. His license had been suspended for six months retroactive to his arrest.

When asked for comment about Smith, Johnson described the situation as regrettable.

"He made a mistake, he's accepted responsibility for the mistake and he's moving on," he said, adding "I think he's done an outstanding job as sheriff."

Smith had extensive training, including training with the FBI at Quantico in Virginia. Johnson said not many have the training and experience that Smith had, praising the fact that he was fair and impartial in his administration of the office. He rose through the ranks, starting out as a road deputy and working his way through the detective bureau and then becoming chief deputy before his election as sheriff.

Johnson explained that the Ohio Revised Code is very clear about vacancies in county offices, leaving the appointment for an unexpired term up to the political party of the departing officeholder. The term expires Dec. 31. He also said the commissioners can appoint an interim officer to handle the operation until the party makes its appointment, such as Chief Deputy Allen Haueter.

Johnson hadn't expected or hoped for this to happen and said he didn't see it as an advantage in the election since its just two months away.

"There's no question in my mind that Ray Stone has the law enforcement experience, the training and background and the integrity to perform the duties of sheriff of Columbiana County," he said, noting he had great confidence in him.

Messages were left for Stone at his residence and on his cell phone, but calls weren't returned.