Athens County Commissioners have appointed a former deputy to fill in for Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly while he is suspended, but the Athens County Democratic Party could overturn the decision early next month.
Commissioners said they are hoping the Democratic Party upholds their decision to appoint Lt. Rodney Smith, a retired lieutenant from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office who took over the job after an interview with the commissioners Thursday morning.
“I hope the Central Democratic Party looks at what we did today,” Commissioner Charlie Adkins said. “I’m very hopeful Rodney Smith will continue as sheriff after this process is over.”
Smith and Sheriff’s Detective Jack Taylor were the only two interviewed by the commissioners for the job.
“After the interview process we just went through today … I felt this was the best candidate we had before us,” Adkins said.
Commissioner Lenny Eliason said the decision to appoint Smith was very close and both candidates were “extremely well qualified.”
“They measure out with different strengths and weaknesses from our perspective,” Eliason said. “We have to work with the sheriff. It’s important that we find someone who can communicate effectively with the other officeholders and the community.”
After hearing the Smith
was appointed, Kelly is not as confident the Democratic Party will uphold the commissioners’ decision.
“There will be a Central Committee vote April 8, and I expect things to change,” Kelly said.
Smith, of Coolville, described his strategy as targeting specific issues in each community instead of only patrolling the county.
“I think there are going to be different issues in Coolville and different issues in Nelsonville,” Smith said. “Instead of just having officers get into a cruiser and patrol, I think it would benefit everyone if we knew what those problems were in each community. It’ll hold our feet to the fire better.”
“We’re going to know what’s going on by talking to citizens,” Smith added.
Smith said when he takes over as interim sheriff, he will “evaluate and assess the situation” with employees and the budget.
Smith will act as interim sheriff while Kelly remains under suspension by a special panel of judges from the Ohio Supreme Court.
The official decision is expected from the panel of judges within the next week, Eliason said.
Athens County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Hecht was not available for comment by press time.
@gingerbower13
ob023312@ohiou.edu
