Sheriff Smith won’t seek another term

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Columbiana County sheriff David Smith

LISBON — With a first-degree misdemeanor charge hanging over his head, Columbiana County Sheriff David Smith has opted to not seek re-election.

Smith, first elected sheriff in November 2000, submitted a letter at 3:45 p.m. Monday to the county board of elections stating he was withdrawing his candidacy “with deep regret,” and that “there will be no further comments on this matter.”

If Smith, an East Liverpool Republican, is convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence he can no longer serve as sheriff.

Also, if he won his political party’s March 4 primary and then subsequently convicted of the misdemeanor, he would be disqualified from the race.

Concerned about those possibilities, county Republicans sought out and endorsed three other candidates for the seat. They also urged Smith to consider not seeking re-election; a decision the sheriff officially made Monday.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or vindy.com