A plan to replace sheriff in Columbiana, if need be

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

LISBON — Columbiana County Sheriff David Smith is on board with a plan to have a replacement candidate if he is barred from seeking re-election next year.

That’s according to David Johnson, the chairman of the county’s Republican Party.

Smith is facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge in Cambridge Municipal Court in Guernsey County of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

He was stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol late Oct. 11 while driving his unmarked police car east on Interstate 70.

A test showed his urine had .222 percent alcohol, more than twice the legal limit to be considered intoxicated.

The filing deadline for him to seek re-election is Jan. 4. He is set to go on trial Jan. 17. Under state law, sheriffs cannot run for office if they have been convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, such as OVI.

Johnson said that Smith is in agreement with the plan.

Four people — three men and one woman — with the proper credentials are interested in being the party’s nominee if Smith can’t run.

Johnson did not release their names but said the four potential candidates will have to file notices of their intention to run next week in county Common Pleas Court.

Johnson said that sheriff’s candidates are the only county candidates who have to file such notices. A judge will order a check on whether the candidate is a certified law enforcement official, and whether her or she has a criminal record.

The review committee will include Johnson, and the county party’s vice-chairman Adam Booth, treasurer James Armeni, and secretary Nancy Cope.

When Smith met with the committee, Johnson said, “he was very warmly received.”

The county Republican party will announce its backup candidate Dec. 29. Should Smith be convicted or otherwise withdraw from the race, the party’s backup would be named to replace Smith on the ballot.

The sheriff has not made any public comment since his arrest. Johnson said the sheriff’s lawyer has told the sheriff not to talk about the case.

Johnson said, “David Smith has done a super job as sheriff” and described the sheriff as “a personal friend” of his.

Johnson stressed that after elections, the party does not get involved in the sheriff’s office affairs or seek favors.

The sheriff’s office has been in Republican hands since the 1930s. Local political tradition says that electing Republican candidates was in part a signal to corruption in Mahoning County to stay in Mahoning County, Johnson said.

Johnson himself plans to return to office on the elections board early next year.

The party recently revised its bylaws that had limited election board members to two four-year terms. Johnson served two terms while he was chairman for about 11 years ending in 2000.

He had turned his energies to his business, Summitville Tiles, which was hard-pressed by imports. Johnson said that situation is under control.

The new bylaws automatically make the party chairman a candidate for the elections board.

The term of Republican Al Fricano becomes open next year.

wilkinson@vindy.com