Sharon lawyer Stephen J. Mirizio has announced he will run for the Mercer County Common Pleas Court judge seat being vacated by Judge Michael J. Wherry.

Mirizio, 55, a Democrat, said he will cross-file for the May 2003 primary election, according to a news release.

A lifelong resident of Mercer County, Mirizio graduated from Farrell High School in 1965 and Youngstown State University with a degree in accounting in 1971. He earned his law degree from Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, in 1974 and opened his practice in Sharon in October of that year.

As a sole practitioner, Mirizio has maintained a diversified private and public practice incorporating numerous aspects of the law, including serving as counsel for both public and private entities, the release said. He has tried numerous and various cases, both in the courts and administratively, and has also argued cases before the appellate courts, the release said.

"Given my extended practicing incorporating various areas and aspects of the law, I believe that I can bring almost 30 years of experience to the bench in applying not only the technical aspects of the law, but also substantive hands-on experience, all of which should support my ability to serve the community in the role of a Common Pleas judge," Mirizio said.

Mirizio lives in Farrell with his wife, the former Carisse Joseph, and two sons, Damian and Nathan. He is the son of Mary L. Mirizio and the late Stephen A. Mirizio.

Mercer County voters will elect Wherry's replacement next year.