CANDIDATES New Castle council

Three Republicans and five Democrats are vying for two open city council seats. Incumbents Robert Bullano and Stephen Vitale are both seeking re-election. Republicans Vitale and Bonnie Lynn Linton, and Democrat Edward J. Yerage, did not return Vindicator questionnaires:
DEMOCRATS
CHRISTINE L. SANDS
AGE: 53.
HOME: 819 Hillcrest Avenue.
EMPLOYMENT: Teacher in the New Castle School District since 1969.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduate work at Slippery Rock University.
FAMILY: Children, Vincent Joseph and Linda Margaret.
PRIORITY: Rezoning the city of New Castle, as downtown revitalization and city neighborhoods are directly affected by the rezoning, and proposing another government home rule study to see if the form of government should be changed.
JOHN RUSSO JR.
AGE: 67.
HOME: 102 S. Vine Street.
EMPLOYMENT: Self-employed at Russo's Pharmacy for 32 years.
EDUCATION: New Castle High School and the University of Pittsburgh.
FAMILY: Wife, Carolyn; children, John Russo, Alicia DiAlesandro, Rose Cugini, Richard Russo and Andrea Martin; 10 grandchildren.
PRIORITY: "Rezoning will definitely be a priority. About three years have passed since I left council, and the present council has yet to act." Possible tax reform through home rule study is also a priority.
ED JOPEK
AGE: 72.
HOME: 786 Vogan Street
EMPLOYMENT: Owner of Jopek Distributing Co. A former carpenter and contractor.
EDUCATION: Graduated from the Terrace School for Craftsmen, studied carpentry.
FAMILY: Wife, Ida; children, Tom, Edward and Linda.
PRIORITY: To eliminate street parking meters and sell the city parking garage to a private company.
ROBERT BULLANO
AGE: 48.
HOME: 221 Englewood Avenue.
EMPLOYMENT: City councilman; formerly worked at the Erie County Regional Skill Center, Gannon University and Erie County Technical School.
EDUCATION: New Castle School District/Lawrence County Vocational School; bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University; graduate certificate from Boston University.
FAMILY: Wife, Suzanne; children, Robert A. and Anthony J.V.
PRIORITY: "To be honest, sincere and hard-working. To be dedicated to the people's needs and do my homework before making decisions."
REPUBLICANS
JOSEPH A. SPARANO
AGE: 66.
HOME: 220 North Liberty Street.
EMPLOYMENT: Retired from private business and teaching.
EDUCATION: New Castle High School; bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University; postgraduate work at Youngstown State University.
FAMILY: Single.
PRIORITY: "To be a full-time city councilman, being at the city hall daily to devote time and energy serving the public's interest. To spur more citizens to become interested in the city and work to get them involved.