Felon elected to New Castle city council wants his seat

NEW CASTLE, Pa.-- A convicted felon elected to New Castle city council says he'll fight for his seat despite a petition to keep him out of office.

Gary Mitchell says he never tried to hide his decade-old drug conviction leading up to November's election. But now an emergency petition is keeping him from being sworn in.  Mitchell says people voted for him as they have also supported his community service and outreach programs.  He is the founder of Rebuilding Of Life Ministry.

Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa filed a petition in December to keep Mitchell from assuming his seat, calling the convictions "infamous crimes" that bar him from holding office.

Mitchell says he was allowed to run and elected by the voters, so he should be allowed to take office now that he's turned his life around.

Lamancusa says while Mitchell is selflessly dedicated to his community, but he must enforce the law that bans convicted felons from holding office.

A hearing is set for Friday.