Columbiana voters can choose

Columbiana voters can choose

The future of Columbiana County’s present sheriff remains uncertain, but one thing is clear. There’s more than one good candidate ready to fill the position.

The incumbent, David Smith, is awaiting trial on a charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. When it became apparent that a trial would not be held in Cambridge Municipal Court before the March 4 election, Smith dropped out of the race. Smith was arrested by the Ohio State Highway Patrol last October in Guernsey County. The patrol said a urine test showed Smith had an alcohol content slightly more than twice the legal level of intoxication.

Two of the three candidates in the Republican primary sat with Vindicator editors for endorsement interviews. A Republican has held the sheriff‘s office in Columbiana County for 60 years.

We were impressed with Daniel “Skip” MacLean and Jerry Herbert, both retired from the sheriff’s department after long service.

Columbiana would be well served with either candidate. They not only have extensive experience — Herbert is a retired detective lieutenant and MacLean is a retired patrol sergeant and commander of jail operations — but they have ideas for improving the department’s service.

Beyond the call of duty

They know from experience and by law that the department is responsible for servicing the needs of the courts and for keeping the peace in the county. But they both talked enthusiastically about doing more to tackle the illegal drug trade, which they say is fueling most other crime in the county.

The scales tipped, however, toward MacLean, who was able to discuss with more specificity the department’s budget and manpower and the drawn-out attempt to establish 911 service in the county. He gets The Vindicator’s endorsement.

The third candidate in the Republican primary is Raymond Stone, who has been Perry Township police chief since 1993. An effort to schedule an endorsement interview with Stone failed.

The winner of the Republican primary will face Leetonia Police Chief John Soldano in November. Soldano is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.