Smith replaces DeChristofaro

Staff report

WARREN

After leaving the Trumbull County Courthouse, Randy Smith was heading to the county engineer’s office on North River Road to meet with his new employees to begin his transition.

Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court administered Smith’s oath of office as the new county engineer, as Smith’s wife, Angela, and mother, Betty, stood along side of Smith.

Judge Logan, of Farmdale, said he has “known the Smith family for decades” and said Smith, of Hartford Township, has the experience to “step right in” to the job.

Smith said he has not yet decided on who will serve as his deputy engineer or in any other administrative position.

“After the swearing-in, I’m going to the engineer’s office to meet with some of the employees and go from there,” Smith said.

“Before I make any appointments, I want to get in there and evaluate the existing staff.”

Smith, who was deputy engineer under county Engineer John Latell for 10 years, resigned from the office in the fall of 2008, just before David DeChristofaro took office as county engineer.

Smith is replacing DeChristofaro, who was forced to resign after being convicted of felony theft for using county resources for personal and political activities.

Smith’s resignation as Hartford Township trustee became effective when he took the oath of office Wednesday, and he essentially is finished with his job as service director for the city of Euclid, where he worked two years.