PROSECUTOR Mahoning County

Two Democratic candidates are running for the four-year seat. An (*) denotes incumbent.
PAUL J. GAINS*
Age: 52
Home: 7003 Harrington Ave., Boardman.
Employment: Mahoning County prosecutor since 1997; former private practice attorney; former patrolman, Youngstown Police Department.
Education: Law degree from University of Akron School of Law; bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University.
Family: Single.
Priority: Continue to manage the office with integrity and efficiency, and continue to assist law enforcement in reducing the county's violent crime rate.
BRAD GESSNER
Age: 43
Home: 1608 Eastwood Place, Austintown.
Employment: Assistant Summit County prosecutor; former civil attorney; former assistant Mahoning County prosecutor.
Education: Law degree from University of Akron School of Law; bachelor's degree from Walsh University.
Family: Wife, Marylou; two children.
Priority: To get the office moving in the right direction and lead it by example. To assemble a professional, full-time staff, reducing from 10 to eight assistants.