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Lewandowski won’t run for sheriff
YOUNGSTOWN
James Lewandowski, the retired chief deputy of the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, said he will “forgo political ambition” and not run for sheriff.
Instead, Lewandowski, of Boardman, said he is supporting Jerry Greene, a 22-year member of the sheriff’s office, for the position.
“I’m humbled and grateful he’s supporting me,” said Greene, of Boardman. “I’m very thankful he did that. He’s taught me a lot of things [over the years].”
Lewandowski said he helped recruit Greene, mentor him and served as his commanding officer.
“I know that he has the integrity, leadership skills, knowledge of, and, most importantly, commitment to the sheriff’s office and its complex operations,” Lewandowski said.
Lewandowski, who retired in May after 36 years in law enforcement, including 27 in the sheriff’s department, had considered running for sheriff.
Sheriff Randall Wellington of Youngstown announced last month that he wouldn’t seek re-election next year to the position he’s held since 1999.
Lewandowski said he’s “enjoyed the uninterrupted company of a wonderful wife, who is also retired.”
Serving as sheriff would impact their lives, he said.
“I have concluded that I want to keep doing that which is now our life together and forgo political ambition,” Lewandowski said.
Dec. 7 is the filing deadline to run in the March 2012 primary.
Besides Greene, former Youngstown Police Chief Jimmy Hughes, who has 34 years of law-enforcement experience, and current Poland Township Police Chief Brian Goodin, who has 28 years of experience in law enforcement, plan to run for sheriff in the Democratic primary.