Significant trouble
by M. Stewart
It looks like county Sheriff Dave Smith has gotten himself into some significant trouble. WTOV broke the story Friday evening about his run-in with the highway patrol in Guernsey County, but it’s the Morning Journal’s Tom Giambroni who gives us the ugly details.
Why is it that people seem so pleased when a prominent person gets into this kind of trouble? Is it because the story of an alleged DUI presents a case of overt hypocrisy, or is it just politics? Or could it be the standard formula for tragedy: a person of prominence is brought down by his own “tragic flaw”?
I’ll admit there is something compelling about a chief law-enforcement officer getting popped by a fellow cop. If Smith was driving impaired, he definitely shouldn’t have been on the road. Of all people, he should know better. And I’m glad to see that the state trooper did his job without succumbing to cronyism. Still, I’m concerned that people are going to revel a little too much in the sheriff’s alleged mistake.
If Smith is found guilty on these charges, his days as county sheriff are surely numbered. It’s one thing to beg forgiveness; it’s something else entirely to ask voters to put you back in office once you’ve crossed the line. Although I am appalled by these allegations, I also feel bad for Dave and will not revel in his misfortune.
Especially because it is an elected position, the office of county sheriff demands an extremely high standard of behavior. A sheriff—indeed any officer of the law—can’t be like other people. He must set an example by leading an exemplary life, both public and private. It just goes with the turf.
I see also in today’s papers where James “Billy” Yost, the Wellsville murder suspect who admitted to police that he bludgeoned his own father to death with a pipe wrench, hung himself in his jail cell with a bed sheet.
I’m inclined to think that, at least in this case, suicide was the “honorable” thing. After all, if you kill your own father over a joint, you’ve got demons that need addressed. Wasn’t it just a few days ago that the Morning Journal reported that Yost’s competency hearing was delayed “because the report [was] incomplete”?
Well, it’s complete now.
Finally, we should note that Morning Journal writer Jeff Martin is leaving to take a job in Kansas City. Aside from the fact that I’ll miss my good friend, Jeff is an intelligent, talented and creative person whose departure significantly diminishes our area. Of course I hope everything works out for him in the big MO, but for all our sakes, I hope he manages to find his way back home when the time is right.
Best of luck to you, my friend!
It looks like county Sheriff Dave Smith has gotten himself into some significant trouble. WTOV broke the story Friday evening about his run-in with the highway patrol in Guernsey County, but it’s the Morning Journal’s Tom Giambroni who gives us the ugly details.
Why is it that people seem so pleased when a prominent person gets into this kind of trouble? Is it because the story of an alleged DUI presents a case of overt hypocrisy, or is it just politics? Or could it be the standard formula for tragedy: a person of prominence is brought down by his own “tragic flaw”?
I’ll admit there is something compelling about a chief law-enforcement officer getting popped by a fellow cop. If Smith was driving impaired, he definitely shouldn’t have been on the road. Of all people, he should know better. And I’m glad to see that the state trooper did his job without succumbing to cronyism. Still, I’m concerned that people are going to revel a little too much in the sheriff’s alleged mistake.
If Smith is found guilty on these charges, his days as county sheriff are surely numbered. It’s one thing to beg forgiveness; it’s something else entirely to ask voters to put you back in office once you’ve crossed the line. Although I am appalled by these allegations, I also feel bad for Dave and will not revel in his misfortune.
Especially because it is an elected position, the office of county sheriff demands an extremely high standard of behavior. A sheriff—indeed any officer of the law—can’t be like other people. He must set an example by leading an exemplary life, both public and private. It just goes with the turf.
I see also in today’s papers where James “Billy” Yost, the Wellsville murder suspect who admitted to police that he bludgeoned his own father to death with a pipe wrench, hung himself in his jail cell with a bed sheet.
I’m inclined to think that, at least in this case, suicide was the “honorable” thing. After all, if you kill your own father over a joint, you’ve got demons that need addressed. Wasn’t it just a few days ago that the Morning Journal reported that Yost’s competency hearing was delayed “because the report [was] incomplete”?
Well, it’s complete now.
Finally, we should note that Morning Journal writer Jeff Martin is leaving to take a job in Kansas City. Aside from the fact that I’ll miss my good friend, Jeff is an intelligent, talented and creative person whose departure significantly diminishes our area. Of course I hope everything works out for him in the big MO, but for all our sakes, I hope he manages to find his way back home when the time is right.
Best of luck to you, my friend!
posted by M. | 9:21 AM
66 Comments:
Matt, This is Columbiana County, Home of the do a crime and get away with it. The Sheriff will probably get a slap on the hand and given a raise. I believe that all of the charges that he is facing are misdemeanors. Nothing will happen to him.
Revel away! He blew a .13 two times and then coughed into the machine so that it would make the machine stop. He refused to participate in the eye test (HGN). He asked to be let go, as he would do the same for the Patrolman that stopped him. This in itself speaks volumes of his character. He needs to be held to a higher standard of conduct! After all he is the Sheriff, at least for now.
the sheriff just made a big mistake. he shouldn't be held to a higher standard, just the same standard as everyone else. it's a shame that this happened to him, as i believe he is a good man. alot of good people make the same mistake, after all he is the sheriff- not Jesus.
All this means is that he is HUMAN and makes mistakes. Lets not crucify the man.
Yea the sheriff is only human but he of all people should hold himself to a higher standard. Being human he is no better than you or me and should be held accountable to the same laws as he was elected to enforce.
Aside from that - Matt are you coming down for the boardwalk dedication tomorrow?
Thats right. He has been a good sheriff! He made a mistake and I am sure he will pay for it on a personal level more than in the public eye.
Dont get me wrong, he should have a penalty to pay, he is not above the law but, this does not mean that he cant do the job of Sheriff. And .13,..... thats what? 4 or 5 beers? He was unfortunate and got caught but how many other Law Officers were at that dinner and drove home with the same alcohol level or higher and did not get stopped?
And the next time you take your family out for dinner at Dalanzos and have a beer for dinner, you too could test at or above the legal limit even though you are not really intoxicated.
Making a mistake is maybe having one too many at the local bar after a hard days work and thinking you can drive home safely because you only live a few blocks away....speeding up I70 at 80+ miles per hour , doing an improper lane change , and blowing nearly twice the legal limit is just plain stupid and irresponsible. He could have killed someone , including himself.
Billy Yost just saved the taxpayers some money. Another example of how drugs ruin lives.
Get the local newspaper and look inside at the court section. Think about what this community would be like if everyone in the paper would be let go because of who they are. Give him a fair trial and then hang the man for being stupid. He dont need special treatment like he wanted. You want to play, you got to pay.
Anyone of you that have NOT driven under the influence may cast the first stone. Many of us have done just that but did not get caught.
He made a mistake, he didn't wreck or hurt anybody so let the man take his punishment and move on.
I am sure that all of us knows someone that has been convicted of DUI. You didn't wish that they lost their job did you?
Take a deep breath and think about it before you cast that first stone.
Just for the record, I am voting ALL the incumbents out of the courthouse, we need a BIG change in Lisbon. I decided that when they decided to impose the sales tax.
I agree, its not like he is Mayor Surace.
I just hope he gets the same treatment as everyone else, no more, no less. But I do think this county needs a change in the Sheriff's department.
As for Billy Yost, tax dollars saved.
Revel away:
Not to beat a dead horse but do you realize he was driving a county owned car? And yes, he may have not had an accident but what if he had and not only injured himself but some innocent person or family! And yes he should be held to a higher standard, he is the top law enforcement official in the county! He should resign and save the county more embarassment. However, that will not happen and his urine sample will probably get lost.
Tax dollars saved:
My God, you are so indicative of the heartless people on this blog. You have obviously lived a charmed life, and have not been affected by anything close to this magnitude. This family has suffered tragedy after tragedy and they suffer greatly. Imagine, if you even can, the horrible reality of Billy Yost. I am not defending him in any way, but I am so glad my heart is not so callous as to say such a thing. This young man, I am sure, deserved whatever became him, but can you in the depth of your heart, if you have one, imagine the horror of doing what he did. Then coming out of your drug haze, and realizing you have killled your own father. He must have chosen death, over living with that reality. How can you be so cold. Have a heart. A family suffers greatly, and two people are dead. They will never get over it. Just as none of us get over the death of a loved one, even under normal circumstances. You are truly cold hearted, to say something so cruel. I hope you have a second thought about this. God could damn you soul, and maybe Billy, while saving taxpayer dollars made his piece. Think about such cruel comments. I dont think you will be admired for them.
Yes he should be held to a higher standard, he is the Sheriff. the man who guides the counties law enforcement, the man who better then anyone should know the consequences of his actions. He blew a .13 before the machine shut off, mind you this was in or near Cambridge. I believe the meeting was in Columbus (2 hours away). So exactly how much did he drink or how far did he drive in that condition.
When you run for public office, you understand from that moment that you will be in the publics eye and be held to a higher standard. This is one of the very first things you are taught when you go through the OPOTA police academt. Then to do this in a goverment vehicle? His actions show total irresponsibility and he should be held to the highest of standards. Its not only embarassing for him but the entire Sheriffs Office and the county he serves.
As for Billy Yost, someone is going to be held accountable- in a jail setting safety is thier #1 priority. That is of the staff and inmates. Right, wrong or indifferent of the heinous crime that boy committed, he should have been in a froensic psych unit. There is no rehabilitaitng true psychopaths.
If I'm not mistaken, if someone is found guilty of driving under the influence, his or her driver's license is suspended for a time. So, no, the sherriff will not be able to do his job if he can't drive. I'm not sure about work priveledges. Sometimes you're allowed to drive to and from work. I'm not sure how that would work if driving is part of the job.
I have to agree with working stiff. Just because he didn't hurt anyone doesn't make it any less illegal. I wonder how many DUI's he has issued to people who were less intoxicated than what he was...
And to cast the first stone, NO ONE should drink and drive. Call a cab or have a designated driver.
A NOTE TO POSTERS:
Some of you no doubt have noticed that your posts are not appearing on the site. There is a reason for this. First, it's not a good idea to post libelous comments, especially in a county where there is a major libel case is awaiting trial.
Second, it's important that we deal with the Sheriff Smith story as it is reported, not as it is embellished by anonymous posters on this and other Web sites.
Thirdly, please do not cast aspersions on those who have nothing to do with current issues. It's important that we stick to the topic at hand and avoid making irrelevant (and possibly illegaal) allegations.
Going to Dalonzo's and having a beer with dinner and having 4-5 (blowing .13) is two different things. Last time I checked having 4-5 beers for most people would mean they were drunk! Unless of course it is on a regular basis- then I believe the correct term is ALCOHOLIC!
First off all I don't think you have a clue about Billy Yost or for that matter the Yost family. This was not the first time he had battered his father. How about the time he beat him with a baseball bat or when Mr.Yost was working on his truck in the driveway and Billy ran him over breaking numerous bones in his body? Do you think he felt remorse for those things? Psychopaths feel NO REMORSE! He took his own life because he could not fathom spending the remainder of his years behind bars!
I know a few people in law enforcement and they all drink and then drive. Local they can get away with it. They never know when they might need each other for back up. Most cop's stick together, they back each other up. They don't tell on a partner they protect him or her. Unless you live in the back stabbing of Wellsville that is. I hope Wilson kicks there ass and brakes the Mayor as well. Pay backs can be a bitch.
No, I do not know all things Yost, but I do think when you hit bottom because of your actions, you can feel remorse. I believe everyone can make their piece with God in the end, and it isnt up to you or me to decide is it. I just hope that Billy did. I pray that his family will somehow be able to deal with all this. I'm not looking for a fight here. I am just showing compassion for this family.
Ole Nib--
I'm fairly certain the floodwall folks don't want me at their formal events, so I'm hoping you'll cover this one. Thanks for letting me know about it, though!
Ahh shit, another dedication at the flood wall? How many is that now 3,4,5,? I know that everyone is proud and all but come on lets just finish the thing THEN have 1 dedication.
Its beginning to get annoying.
Absolutely everyone is invited to attend any formal event, or even just come and look at the Flood Wall Mural Project. The very reason for this project is to bring people from outside Wellsville into the Village. Looks like we are going to have nice weather. Hope to see everyone there.
Truck drivers are held to a higher standard.If we blow a.02 we can lose our cdl endorsement.This is in any vehicle,not just trucks.Why shouldnt elected officials and law enforcement officers be held to a higher standard?WE dont lose our license,just our endorsement which is our job.We are all suppose to be profesionals!
Just for the record the Sheriff is NOT the highest law enforcement agent in the county as "Should Resign" indicated. The top law enforcement officer in any county is the County Coroner who has jurisdiction everywhere on everyscene even over the Sheriff. I learned that when I paid attention in Government class a few years back.
As with any suicide, Billy Yost's will leave many unanswered questions and also will affect people in a way many of you have no idea.
As for the sheriff, he takes an oath to uphold the laws of the United States, state of Ohio and Columbiana County, which most "regular" citizens don't.
That tells me that, yes, he is expected to be held to a higher standard.
It will be interesting to see how his case plays out in the court.
For all the remorse that is felt by a drug addict.. is it possible? I've known someone who fits the profile and watched the damage left in his wake while others do their best to repair it.
They hurt their grown members of their families, but wretch the hearts out of their children. East Liverpool has too many of these kids. Our social services puts on band-aids. Until this problem is addressed the cycle continues.
that's right cat, if billy didn't smoke marijuana he never would have attacked anyone!
Don't misunderstand me but how many times are they going to dedicate the flood wall?? Enough is enough! It's nice, it looks, Thank you for the boardwalk and on on. One dedication when completed would of worked not 3 or 4. But is election time, right? Surace needs all the free press he can get.
To Ryan Stoval: I stand corrected. But are we splitting hairs here? Are you defending the Sheriff? I know you are a local law enforcement officer, but also know you are a local politician. You got the point about the Sheriff and a DUI though, I hope. And I really hope that you do not condone his behavior.
One other thought on the subject: The Sheriff stated he was on his way home from a Buckeye State Sheriff's Association meeting in Columbus. Do they serve alcohol at these meetings? And if so, doesn't that seem a bit off? Eighty-eight (88) Sheriff's drinking in Columbus at a meeting?! Driving county owned vehicles? The Highway Patrol could have a field day! Or maybe he just stopped off for a few at a local establishment.
I learned in Mr. Jim Martin's Government class that elected officials ARE held to a higher standard than your everyday Joe's. I can't exactly remember the term used for this but I'm sure someone can help.
I am also related to many of our fine officers in this area and I do not believe that any of them would "let another officer go, or a family member of any other officer" and expect a favor. As a matter of fact, one of them stated not long ago that, "he doesn't do favors simply because he never wants to be responsible for letting another off just because they were related to a another cop and a favor was owed."
It simply amazes me that at a law enforcement convention, so many other peace officers would let him drive in that condition, but I guess it's possible he stopped off somewhere for one for the road.
To all my police officers, Be safe, I love you guys.
JO- please wake up and get yourself a big cup of "i'm really not this stupid." I personally know TWO, count em, TWO St. Clair Twp. police officers who drove [someone's] motorcycle home one night and gave him a ride home because he was so drunk he couldn't hold the bike up. They pulled him over in the Sheetz lot after he somehow managed to get from the Oasis out to Calcutta. As a biker friend of his, I can tell you that he does this ALL the time. It's only a matter of time until he gets pulled over by the wrong police. Just another example of the good old boy mentality. The night he left the Oasis, we all tried to convince him not to drive. Like most people, he wouldn't listen. Disgraceful.
To "How Many More"
I completely agree with you. All yesterdays dedication was about politics. Did you hear them say about Wellsville being lucky to have Surace as a Mayor? That's laughable at the least. I feel like I'm watching the movie Groundhog Day.When the man wakes up and keeps reenacting the same day over and over again. Ive picked up the paper at least 3 times this summer and read the same stuff over and over again. "Everyone has worked hard, everyone should be proud, Hail the Mayor, Lyle who is in town,bla bla bla." Its just another reason for Surace to get his face in the paper and take credit for something that he didn't do. Meanwhile there are a million vacant homes all over the village with weeds taller than my home. Cars being vandalized and robbed. Drugs being sold right in broad daylight. Trouble at city hall. So on and so on. Don't get me wrong the Murals and boardwalk look great and thank you to the committee and village residents. However enough already!
To how many more:
This was a dedication of the Boardwalk. It was appropriate to do, as the Pete Amato Foundation made a huge donation to make it possible. You cannot accept a donation like that and not dedicate the project. It would be insulting to the donors. The Boardwalk is a seperate project from the Flood Wall and was funded soley by the Pete Amato Foundation.
Its called manners to show respect to the Foundation for its support.
We take offense to the great number of dedication ceremonies. The boardwalk dedication makes a grand total of 2 dedications and we feel that having so many dedications is just wrong. Isn't there something we can do about this kind of outrageous behavior? Maybe council needs to pass an anti-dedication ordinance. I think that might be the only thing that will stop them. I hope and pray there are no more dedications.
Yours in Christ,
D&D
the trouble with the wall people is that they cant take any thing but praise. if you dont keep telling them that they are wellsvilles second coming they attack you. i saw the pictures on the review and it looks like the wall people were the only ones there. they give these shows for themselves and of course the news photogrphers. just do it and quit asking for everybody to love you.
D&D -
I wholly agree. In fact, I'd like politicians to campaign on the idea that they will never waste taxpayer money on a variety of stupid crap they think will help them get re-elected.
Examples include:
-Introducing legislation to rename highways in people's honor (we're still going to refer to it by its number; i.e. I-70)
-Giving commendations for 1) having a baby; 2) having a special birthday; 3) becoming an Eagle Scout; 4) Being married 50 years. (These are nice in principle, but taxpayers PAY GOOD MONEY for all these colossal wastes of time)
-Introducing legislation to create special interest license plates. There are currently over 60 of these and more bills have already been introduced to create additional ones. (Do lawmakers really need to spend time deciding whether or not someone can have a "Columbus Crew Fan" license plate? )
Simply absurd.
Just do it--
I agree that the "wall people," as you call them, can be a bit sensitive, but they are doing good things for the village, and they should be recognized for their efforts. I see nothing wrong with the newspapers covering the boardwalk dedication event.
I would say it was appropriate to cover the wall dedication. It is nice to see Wellsville get some coverage that is positive. Something besides a murder for a change. If it is not your cup of tea, no one is dragging you out of your house to attend, or holding a gun to your head to read about it. Why would it bother anyone. Gee, 2 whole dedications in a summer! I guess that would shock a few people, since nothing has been dedicated in this town since the
Boy and the Boot statue, and that was in the early 80's. Nothing has happened since the current administration got in. I guess we could have dedicated Fiscal Emergency and departments going over budget. This just seems a nicer idea.
To Revel Away: No I do not condone his activity. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Please don't call me a polititian though, I would not insult you like that. ;)
Like it or not public officials, police officers, and firefighers are all held to a higher standard.
WE went to the Boarwalk tonight for the 13th dedication and nobody was there. There is no one anywhere. What's going on!!! We only wanted to have a dedication for ourselves and the photograhers!! Where is everyone!!!
Is is the second coming!!We thought we were the second coming, what is happening!!!!!!! Did the rapture come and we've been left behind'' We're scared. Have we been left because we've been too sensitive!!! We didn mean to be. Is it because our good deeds our being punished. We only wanted to have one more dedication to pat ourselves on the back. Someone please help us. We didnt mean to be so superior. Please help us. Help Help Help We only tried to do the right thing and help the village. Why oh why did we try to do good things and do right by people. Is there anybody left. Help us. Help us.
To Ryan Stovall;
I was not trying to insult you, I thought I was just stating a fact. I believe all elected officials should be held to higher standard. From one law enforcement officer to another, I do not believe we should play favorites. We took an oath to uphold the law per the ORC or local ordinance and that is all that keeps society from falling into anarchy. I am proud of the highway Patrolman who was not afraid to do his job, or felt threatened because of who he was arresting. Whether it be congressman, prosecutor, Sheriff, etc., all should be held accountable for their actions. Did he make a mistake? Yes, BIGTIME!! If convicted, how does he continue in his present capacity? Do the taxpayers foot the bill for a chauffeur? And how does that work exactly? If this had been one of his Deputies would he still have a job? I expect more than that from a Sheriff of a county! If you need help get it! But in the mean time don’t take the county down another road of embarrassment! Been there done that! Still recovering.
To why complain;
Why complain? Are you kidding me! Don’t get me wrong it’s nice to see the wall murals, murals that have nothing whatsoever to do with the current administration. Or for that fact, the administration before that. But that ‘s besides the point. The problem with this community is the “good ole’ boy “ mentality that exists here. It’s time for a change. Look around to surrounding communities who are experiencing the same type of problems. Change starts at the top. We need LEADERSHIP!! That’s not what we are getting now. It’s more like led around by the nose. I’m sick and tired of seeing police officers breaking the law, instead of upholding it. They don’t use turn signals, why should anyone else? They don’t stop at stop signs, why should anyone else? They don’t wear seatbelts, why should anyone else? Do you see a pattern here? City workers who do a half-assed job! A mayor who drives around in a city vehicle that we are probably paying the gas and insurance for. I’ve never heard of such a thing in a village!! We are the laughing stock of the county! People say if you want to get away with murder, go to Wellsville. That’s not how I want my community to be known!
Look people, if you want a nice, safe community, with no drug dealers and just some petty crime, then you need LEADERSHIP! People who are not afraid to step on toes! There is no room in today’s society for the “good ole’ boy” mentality!! We are a village a less than 5,000 (five thousand) people. Do you want to tell me we can not run the drug element out of town?! How absurd! Thing’s don’t get better here, only worse. This is not what I voted for!!!
To help us;
Please don't stop, you are the only bright spot in the community. Just remember that apathy lingers strong in this community. You deserve a many pats on the back!!
see what i mean. jeez. you gotta pump sunshine up their ass or else they go into their act. we love you we love you we love you. you are the greatest thing to ever happen to wellsville. you are gods. you are the most important people in town. we can't live without you. you are so great.
just didn't do it..hey, those are some mighty fine compliments. You forgot God's Gift, but that's OK. Now, how should we refer to you? I was thinking about something like, Dueling Banjo's or Slack-Jawed Yokel. If you prefer something else, just let me know.
Revel Away:
Thanks. I see you can read and no a joke when you read one. Good point about apathy lingering long in the ville. We have no intention of quitting, we have big plans and we will accomplish them. We actually get a kick out of the nay sayers. Thanks again.
Check out todays Youngstown Vindicator. There was no sheriffs dinner. It was a metting in the morning that was over by early afternoon. There was no alcohol served there either. Maybe the Journal should follow the Vindicator's lead and get the real story. I guess old Smith didn't know where he was at when he talked to the trooper. Great job to the reporter who looked into the matter. Yea, the old I had a few beers line.
What do you suppose the good sheriff would have said to you or me, Mr. average Joe Blow, if he had picked us up smelling of alcohol. And WE said, how bout lettin' ME go. You know what he'd say, Fa-Q! Get in the cruiser and shutjer mouth! I for one love that he got busted. He obviously felt he was above the law no matter what county he was in. To sit down in Columbus and throw back enough alcohol to get drunk and decide to drive 3 hours home makes him an idiot. I guess the oath of office had the weekend off. VOTE 4 Johnny SOLDANO!!!!
Columbiana County, Ohio: Local residents today learned that their Sheriff is Human. That’s right, he made a mistake. But many are saying that he should be held to a higher standard.
While the "Higher Standard" theory may be true to a point. Many have lost sight of the fact that police officers, medical staff and firefighters who see more in an eight hour shift than many do in a lifetime have a tremendous amount of stress. Sometimes, their stress level goes un-noticed until they end up in the news media for what could be defined as a "momentary lapse of reason".
And those unhappy with their own lives spend countless hours dwelling on these peoples poor judgment instead of looking at the bigger picture. This is not to say that some sort of punishment or discipline is not warranted. Perhaps the same punishment is warranted that the common person would receive in the same circumstance.
What many are missing here is, a mistake was made and he should have known better. But how many people could run a county and not want to blow off some steam.
The Sheriff no doubt is going through his own personal battle and being harder on himself than and one person or court of law could. Never the less, there will be those who are set to have a firing squad for the sheriff perched on the court house steps just to indulge their own misfortunes and jealousy.
The Sheriff does deserve whatever happens. But when it is over and he receives his penalties, many will still see it as unjust simply because of the office he holds.
Just remember before you pass judgment, you are human too.
You know I must be goofy. I would have put that boardwalk on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FLOODWALL. THE DRY SIDE. When the flood waters rise they will be a bitchin about how the water carried away their project. Also I must have not read it correctly but the paper reported some grant money was used for this project????
Great job Vindicator, it's nice to see a reporter go the extra mile. Take some lessions Journal and Review.
AT STAKE
DUI convictions
Columbiana County Sheriff David L. Smith faces a charge of operating a vehicle impaired, but his political career may not be affected. Here are some other Columbiana politicians who had DUI convictions and what happened to them:
Sean Logan was charged with DUI in 1991 in Columbus while he was a state representative. He was charged one day and admitted his fault the next day. Details on his sentence weren't immediately available. He went on to be elected county commissioner and now is the director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources under Gov. Ted Strickland.
Dennis Johnson, the head of the county Democrat Party, was charged with DUI after he drove into a ditch near Canfield in 2001. He eventually paid a fine and went to a driver's program. He went on to serve on the county board of elections and is working for U.S. Sen. Charlie Wilson as his liaison to the 6th Congressional District.
State law says a sheriff cannot have been convicted of a felony or a first-degree misdemeanor. Such charges are often reduced, however, and Smith's long history in
law enforcement would likely be taken into account in any plea agreement, local officials said.
Source: Vindicator files
Only one thing none of the rest are Sheriff, Smith is. Source, The Public Eye.
Hey news flash, are you saying he can still be sheriff if he loses his liscense? Maybe take a cab to work. A cab to crime scenes. Don't he make, like 70,000+ to arrest us criminals for having 3 beers with our friends after work. Have you ever dug ditches for eight hrs a day. The stress can kill you. How about picking up garbage for 8 hrs?
Teach your children for 8 hrs.
To FYI, those positions you mentioned are not law inforcement. And they don't require the person to drive to do their job. I think there's a big difference.
The boardwalk posts are cemented in with w bags of concrete each. There are over 150 posts. Everything has been screw bolted in. The contractor has taken every precaution that the boardwalk will not go anywhere during a big flood, just need cleaned. No grant money was used, the entire bill was footed by the Pete Amato Foundation.
I hope he gets what he deserves, no more or no less. He's no better than anyone else. And I do think it's time for a change in the Sheriff's department, because no murders are getting solved.
To news flash;
First of all, no one said the Sheriff is not human! He is human and is an elected law enforcement officer in this county. I voted for him. However, to blow off some steam, it was not necessary to drive three hours from home and consume enough alcohol to be considered legally drunk, get pulled over by a trooper, driving a county owned car, try to use his position of power to get away with the deed, and decide not to participate or cooperate with the trooper. It is laughable that you call this a "momentary lapse of reason"!
People who decide to become police officers, firefighters, medical staff and the like know what they are in for. It does not come as a shock to them. Every job I've ever had, had its own kind of stress. Alcohol is not a very good choice as a stress reliever anyhow! Try exercising! I think any doctor would tell you the same thing.
If you think people sit around all day blogging on this spot because they are jealous or unhappy in their own lives, you don't know much. People come to this sight to respond to what is going on in our community. We didn't make the news, just responding to it!
People who are arrested for DUI get occupational driving privildges everyday as can Sherrif Smith. Say no to Saldano.
Hey Hotter, your wrong. You don't get driving privleges when your job is driving. And when your are on call to drive 24/7.
Hey Hooter:
FYI per the ORC- if the Sheriff is convicted of a misdemeanor of the 1st degree, he must resign! Driving priviledge or not and he knows it. How do you like those HOOTERS?
Please show me where in the orc it says that he must resign!!
To hooter;
ibelieve this section covers misconduct in office. There may be another.
Any person holding office in this state, or in any municipal corporation, county, or subdivision thereof, coming within the official classification in Section 38 of Article II, Ohio Constitution, who willfully and flagrantly exercises authority or power not authorized by law, refuses or willfully neglects to enforce the law or to perform any official duty imposed upon him by law, or is guilty of gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, drunkenness, misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance is guilty of misconduct in office. Upon complaint and hearing in the manner provided for in sections 3.07 to 3.10, inclusive, of the Revised Code, such person shall have judgment of forfeiture of said office with all its emoluments entered thereon against him, creating thereby in said office a vacancy to be filled as prescribed by law. The proceedings provided for in such sections are in addition to impeachment and other methods of removal authorized by law, and such sections do not divest the governor or any other authority of the jurisdiction given in removal proceedings.
To hooter;
I was also able to locate the following info:
311.01 Election and qualifications of sheriff.
(A) A sheriff shall be elected quadrennially in each county. A sheriff shall hold office for a term of four years, beginning on the first Monday of January next after the sheriff’s election.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person is eligible to be a candidate for sheriff, and no person shall be elected or appointed to the office of sheriff, unless that person meets all of the following requirements:
(1) The person is a citizen of the United States.
(2) The person has been a resident of the county in which the person is a candidate for or is appointed to the office of sheriff for at least one year immediately prior to the qualification date.
(3) The person has the qualifications of an elector as specified in section 3503.01 of the Revised Code and has complied with all applicable election laws.
(4) The person has been awarded a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence issued for achievement of specified minimum scores on the general educational development test of the American council on education.
(5) The person has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of this or any other state or the United States, and has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense that is a misdemeanor of the first degree under the laws of this state or an offense under the laws of any other state or the United States that carries a penalty that is substantially equivalent to the penalty for a misdemeanor of the first degree under the laws of this state.
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