THE FOUR CANDIDATES | Who they are

There are two Democrats and two Republicans seeking two spots. An (*) denotes incumbent:
JOHN RUSSO JR.
Age: 68.Home: 102 S. Vine St., New Castle.Family: Wife, Carolyn Napolitano Russo; children, John Phillip, Alicia DiAlesandro, Rose Ann Cugini, Richard, and Andrea Martin.Education: University of Pittsburgh, bachelor of science in pharmacy.Employment: Self-employed at Russo's Pharmacy for 32 years.Political experience: New Castle council, 1984-1988 and 1990-1998.Priority: Citywide rezoning, economic development and tax reform. "We need to remove the burden off property owners. This can happen through home rule which I feel should be pursued because it is never going to happen merely relying on Harrisburg."
BONNIE LYNN LINTON
Age: 33.Home: 1011 Warren Ave., New Castle.Family: Husband, Mark Smith.Education: New Castle High School; Erie Business College, medical/secretarial associate's degree; St. Francis School of Nursing.Employment: Nurse at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh.Political experience: None.Priority: "Find a parking solution during downtown revitalization work. Work with building owners to provide incentives to obtain business/tenants and crack down on violations of unsightly properties."
CHRISTINE L. SANDS
Age: 53.Home: 819 Hillcrest Ave., New Castle.Family: Children, Vincent and Linda.Education: Bachelor's degrees in German and English at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; graduate work at Slippery Rock University.Employment: Teacher in the New Castle School District.Political experience: Council, 1992-2000.Priority: Rezoning for the city for future development.
STEPHEN VITALE*
Age: 35.Home: 409 E. Moody Ave., New Castle.Family: Wife, Nicole; daughter, Mia.Education: Neshannock High School; bachelor's degree, Duquesne University.Employment: President of Pyrotecnico, a fireworks company in the city.Political experience: Council, 2000 to present.Priority: To continue to be a strong representative of the people. I will place an emphasis on providing the best possible services to our residents while working closely with the administration to ensure fiscal responsibility. I want to help stimulate economic development in the downtown area by making a better business climate for companies.