LAWRENCE COUNTY Mangino asks for a full-time assistant

One commissioner wants to use the money to fund a position.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County is looking to beef up its prosecutor's office with a federal grant.
District Attorney Matthew Mangino asked county commissioners to consider creating a full-time assistant district attorney position. The job would be funded by a $150,000 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Mangino got the grant in May, but he initially wanted to use it to make his own position full time. Two of the three county commissioners opposed that idea and Mangino withdrew his request.
Alternative use
Mangino said he has since been working with the Justice Department to find an alternative use for the money. He said they have amended the grant to provide pay for another assistant district attorney.
The grant will also provide money for a gun-violence prevention program, an additional secretary and funding for other programs.
Mangino said the position would be contingent on receipt of the grant each year.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught questioned Mangino about using the money to fund an assistant district attorney's salary that the county pays. Mangino said the grant is intended to expand the prosecutor's staff, not maintain it.
Commissioners Roger DeCarbo and Brian Burick said they would support the position if it is funded by grants.
The county has five full-time and one part-time assistant district attorneys. Three are paid for by grants.