LAWRENCE COUNTY Judicial candidates

Three people are vying for a seat as Lawrence County's fourth judge. The position was created last November by the Pennsylvania Legislature.
JOHN W. HODGE
Age: 50Home: 2510 Ron Drive, New Castle.Family: Wife, Dr. Sharon Johnson-Hodge; son, Mike.Education: Mohawk High School; bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh; law degree from the University of Akron School of Law.Experience: Twenty-five years of practice of law with extensive trial experience in civil, criminal and domestic-relations issues.
Employment: Private general law practice; Lawrence County solicitor.
THOMAS M. PICCIONE
Age: 55Home: 127 Englewood Ave., New Castle.Family: Wife, Diane; children, Thomas Jr., Beth, Janine, Kristen and Sarah; four grandchildren.Education: New Castle High School; bachelor's degree and juris doctor degree from Duquesne University; master of law degree from Georgetown University Law School.Experience: Former member, judicial selection committee; former assistant district attorney; former domestic relations enforcement officer; former solicitor for the city of New Castle; former school director, New Castle School District.Employment: Partner, Gamble, Mojock, Piccione & amp; Palmer LLP; solicitor for the New Castle Area School District.
SUSAN M. PAPA
Age: 41Home: 439 Court St., New Castle.Family: Single.Education: Shenango High School; bachelor's degree, Westminster College; law degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law.Experience: Former assistant Lawrence County attorney; former solicitor for the New Castle Sanitation Authority; former law clerk for Lawrence County courts; former assistant district attorney.Employment: Sole proprietor and partner of Papa & amp; Papa Attorneys at Law; juvenile master for Lawrence County.