Smail stepping down as Wayne commissioner on May 31
Wayne County commissioner Sue Smail, right, addresses the 2023 Leadership Wooster class at the municipal building. Smail recently announced her retirement, effective May 31.
Wayne County commissioner Sue Smail, in office since 2016, announced she will retire on May 31.
“Hopefully, my stepping down will pave the way for my successor Dave McMillen to be appointed by the Republican Central Committee, providing him with an additional six months of experience,” Smail said. “I consider it an honor to have served the people of Wayne County for the past eight years. Working with my colleagues has been a pleasure, and while we all look at things differently, we try to reach a consensus that best serves the citizens.”
Smail served on various committees, boards and focus groups. During her tenure, among other projects, Smail and her fellow commissioners did the following:
—Renovated and relocated Wayne County Dispatch (911) to the second floor of the Justice Center.
—Renovated and relocated the adult probation office and law library.
—Founded the Wayne County Land Reutilization Corporation, which served as a vehicle to administer more than $1 million in demolition funds for residences and businesses and $2 million in brownfield funds from the State of Ohio.
—Installed a mile-long taxiway at the Wayne County Airport, making it safer for planes as they enter and exit.
—Acquired approximately $500,000 in funding to revitalize Barnes Preserve.
—Increased the Agricultural Security Area from 4,000-7,000 acres by adding 3,000 acres of farmland, the largest in the state.
—In partnership with the City of Wooster, facilitated the acquisition of the former Horn Nursing Home property, which now houses 10 upscale townhomes and the Rea & Associates commercial building.
—Established a multi-agency radio communications system tower in Fredericksburg. The MARCS tower project in Fredericksburg nearly consumed Smail’s entire term.
“I started working on the MARCS tower project soon after I took office,” she said. “There were a lot of roadblocks, but it is finally scheduled to go live in April.”
Smail earned the respect of co-workers, committee members and boards of directors everywhere she served.
Fellow commissioner Ron Amstutz, also leaving office at the end of the year, entered into office the same year as Smail.
“I had no idea when she stepped forward in late 2015 to seek the (commissioner) seat being vacated by Scott Wiggam that I would end up running in 2016 to serve with her because of the unexpected death of Jim Carmichael,” Amstutz said. “I’ve learned a lot from her, and it has been a privilege to be on the team with her.”
“I have learned a lot from Sue, and I appreciate her guidance,” commissioner Jon Hofstetter said. “Her focus is on the county’s success, and everyone should feel good that she is just a phone call away.”
Smail said she plans to spend time with her husband Jim and seven grandchildren and travel more.
“I will still remain active in the community. I am just not sure what that will look like yet,” she said.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.