LAWRENCE COUNTY Mangino, two others compete for judgeship

The three candidates have cross-filed to run in the primary for both parties.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Two of the candidates for the Lawrence County Common Pleas Court judge position, vacated last year by the early and unexpected retirement of Ralph Pratt, said they have no official political experience.
But John W. Hodge and Joseph J. Kearney each maintain having the legal experience to fulfill the requirements of the job.
The candidates
Hodge, 54, a Republican, is county solicitor, having served in that post for more than 15 years. He also serves as solicitor for four townships, three zoning boards and the Lawrence County Redevelopment Authority.
Kearney, 52, a Democrat, has been in private practice in Lawrence County some 27 years. Beginning in 1995, he served for eight years as divorce master overseeing divorce cases and related family matters under common pleas court Judge Dominic Motto. He has worked as an assistant district attorney.
The third candidate, Matthew T. Mangino, 42, a Democrat, is serving his second term as county district attorney. He is responsible for establishing, among other programs, the county's first drug task force.
All three candidates have cross-filed to run in the primary elections of both parties and each has said if he were elected he would take every opportunity to serve Lawrence County residents by promoting justice.
"Once elected as judge, I would work to always provide the county with efficient, effective work," Hodge said. "I would use my legal skills to help people and get the job fairly, in an efficient manner."
Education
Hodge received his law degree in 1975 from the University of Akron and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972.
Kearney received his law degree in 1977 from Syracuse University. Graduating cum laude, he obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Syracuse in 1974.
Mangino graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1988 with a law degree. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Westminster College in 1985.
Becoming judge
Last year, after Pratt retired, Gov. Ed Rendell appointed Mangino to fill the judge's post through the remainder of the year. But Mangino was never confirmed.
"As a judge I would always strive to bring the same initiation and innovation to that position that I've brought to the district attorney's office," Mangino said. "I would work to find better, more efficient ways to resolve cases."
Kearney said he is concerned with fairness and equality in the county court system.
"I want to see everyone who comes into the court system treated appropriately and fairly," he said. "I think too often we see people with influence, power, position or the right political party having an unfair advantage. There should be a level playing field and I would, as judge, commit to that."