Two days after the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office announced a new town hall meeting series, one of the challengers for the position has asked to be a part of it.

Lynn Maro, who is running as a Republican for the Mahoning County Prosecutor position, has asked to participate in the meetings.

In the letter to Prosecutor Gina DeGenova, Maro said that for a truly open dialogue about the criminal justice system in Mahoning County, a representative of the other side of the adversarial system is needed.

"As a former prosecutor and as a criminal defense lawyer who has handled many serious criminal cases in Mahoning County, and as someone who is seeking that Office, I think it appropriate that I attend and participate," Maro wrote.

Maro and DiGenova will both appear on the November ballot for county prosecutor.

DiGenova replaced Paul Gains after his retirement in 2022. She has worked in the Mahoning County Prosecutor's office since 2005 as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Chief Assistant, and Public Information Officer.

Maro has over 25 years of experience handling criminal and civil cases.

The race is expected to be among the most highly contested in recent years.

The first three Town Halls have been scheduled:

  • January 16, 6:30 p.m. - Beaver Township Admin Building (11999 South Avenue, North Lima)
  • February 7, 6:30 p.m. - Jackson Township Government Center (10613 Mahoning Avenue, North Jackson)
  • March 6, 6:30 p.m. - Ellsworth Fire Hall (6036 South Warren-Salem Road, North Jackson)