LEETONIA Police chief makes case for election to sheriff's post

The chief said handling a tight budget is an essential skill.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LEETONIA -- Police Chief John Soldano believes his biggest challenge in a yearlong campaign for Columbiana County sheriff will be persuading Leetonia residents to vote for him.
"I'm not running for sheriff because I want to leave Leetonia," Soldano said. "I've had a lot people tell me they want to support me, but they don't want me to give up this job. To get their votes, I have to convince them that as sheriff I would not forget Leetonia."
Soldano, 39, has been Leetonia police chief six years. Before that he worked part time in the department and was a state corrections officer.
He became Leetonia police chief in 1997, a time when department morale was low and stress was high. Soldano was the department's fifth chief in five years.
"We've had some successes here, and I love Leetonia," Soldano said. "I left a corrections career I loved because I wanted to make a commitment to the people of Leetonia. Now, I want to be sheriff because, for me, that's the next step in my career."
Soldano said that over the years he's developed nearly as strong an affection for Leetonia as he has for his native Wellsville, where he and his wife, Melany, still live.
Previous attempt
In 2000, Soldano made a bid to be the Democratic candidate for sheriff, but lost to then-East Palestine Police Chief Gary Clark. Clark lost to Dave Smith, a Republican who had been the sheriff's department's chief deputy.
Soldano is quick to point out that he is not solely responsible for his department's successes. He said the improvements are the result of a team effort.
When he became chief, Soldano's first priority was to visit area law enforcement and social service agencies. Improving community relations, particularly in the schools, has been a priority.
Soldano said he would have the same philosophy as sheriff, making a point of visiting the various municipalities and townships at least once a month.
He would also like to establish some countywide programs in schools to develop and strengthen rapport between police and pupils.
"Good communication and rapport is critical," he said. "You have to lay that groundwork because in an emergency, you want those ties to already be there."
Budget experience
While overseeing a department charged with protecting about 2,500 citizens, Soldano said he worked with the village council to use a limited budget to improve his department.
As sheriff he would work with county commissioners and other county officials in the same way.
He believes he is qualified to serve as sheriff because his corrections background has prepared him to deal with county jail operations.
He also is used to working with a tight budget.
"The sheriff's department has a much larger budget than I do in Leetonia, but it's still a tight budget," Soldano said. "I know how to stretch a dollar.
"As sheriff there will be a lot of challenges, but those are challenges I feel I am ready to face."