Former deputy files to run for sheriff’s office

Republicans still plan to endorse one or more candidates for sheriff.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — A veteran law enforcement officer, friend and fellow Republican has filed to run against Columbiana County Sheriff David Smith.

Daniel N. MacLean of Yellow Creek Township filed his petition Friday with the county board of elections to run as a Republican. He is known as “Skip.”

“With over 27 years of full-time experience in law enforcement, 26 of which were as a deputy sheriff in Columbiana County, I am confident that I have the hands-on experience, the knowledge and the professional competency to carry out the duties of county sheriff,” MacLean said in a prepared statement.

Smith, who has filed to run again, faces a drunken-driving charge in Cambridge Municipal Court in Guernsey County. He was speeding in his unmarked cruiser when pulled over by a state trooper, and his urine test showed his alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit.

If convicted of the first-degree misdemeanor, Smith would not be able to serve as sheriff.

MacLean said he would not be running if Smith had not been charged. “We’re friends,” MacLean said.

He added he had talked to Smith before announcing his plan.

MacLean is one of three law enforcement officials the county Republican party is considering endorsing.

The other two candidates have not been identified.

David Johnson, chairman of the county Republican Party, said party officials will meet in closed session at 10 a.m. next Saturday at a church in Lisbon.

Johnson said the party may endorse MacLean or all three of the candidates. The sheriff’s office has been in Republican hands for decades.

Smith’s trial has been moved from January to about two weeks before the primary in March.

MacLean is among a small number of law enforcement officials who served together at or near the top of the sheriff’s office.

The Wellsville graduate started with the St. Clair Township Police Department in 1977 and was appointed a patrol deputy in 1978 by the late Sheriff Russell J. Van Fossan.

He also was a patrol deputy under former Sheriff Robert J. “Brassy” Berresford and the late Sheriff Richard J. Koffel. In 1992, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and supervised the day-shift patrol officers. In 1995, he was appointed jail administrator who supervised more than 50 officers. In 1998, the jail began to be operated by a private company.

MacLean also said he set up the county’s sex offender registration program when Megan’s Law came into effect in 1997.

He retired in 2004 and became the chief of security at the county’s new municipal court building.

“Now more than ever, the citizens of this county need a sheriff with law enforcement experience, leadership ability and a determination to keep the county safe and secure — at home and at work. I will look forward to campaigning for the office in every corner of this county,” MacLean said.

wilkinson@vindy.com