NEW CASTLE Mayoral hopefuls list their qualities

Candidates say public service makes them good mayoral choices.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Economic development and public safety are priorities of candidates seeking the New Castle mayor's seat.
Three Democrats and one Republican are vying to replace incumbent Mayor Timothy Fulkerson, a Republican, who is not seeking re-election.
Democrat Philip Conti said he will focus on leadership, seeking to restore public confidence in public officials. He will return the mayor's salary -- $200,000 for the four-year term -- to New Castle city taxpayers.
Conti said he wants to develop a good relationship with the city council, New Castle school directors, county commissioners and state and federal officials.
"I want to help create an atmosphere where all citizens have equal opportunity and are treated with dignity and respect," he said.
He said his experience as a Korean War veteran, a business owner and public schools business manager give him the leadership skills necessary for the post.
Three essentials
Democrat Richard DeBlasio, a New Castle city councilman since 1994, said he has three essential qualifications a mayor must possess: a good education, city governmental experience and a strong administrative background.
Although he is concerned with economic development and fiscal responsibility, DeBlasio said his first priority is to ensure that the streets of New Castle are safe and clean.
"Clean, safe neighborhoods with essential city services are and will always be of first and foremost importance in the DeBlasio administration," he said. "Without strong public safety and clean, safe neighborhoods, the other goals are not only irrelevant, but also nearly impossible to accomplish."
Longtime educator
Democrat Christine Sands is an incumbent New Castle city councilwoman, elected in 2002. She was also on the council from 1991 to 1999. As a longtime educator and the first and only woman to serve as council president and chair of the rezoning committee, Sands believes she is highly qualified to serve as mayor.
"I am seeking the office because I believe I have much to offer New Castle, and I want to work for the people," Sands said.
Economic development and revitalization and rezoning of the downtown area would be her top priorities as mayor.
Economic development
Republican Wayne Alexander will focus his efforts on economic development of the city and Lawrence County.
"I believe I can make a difference," Alexander said. "It takes a competent, focused leader to bring together the financial and human capital necessary to ready a community for the future."
Alexander said he will continue to support efforts to revitalize New Castle's downtown business district, and to bring business and entrepreneurs to the city.
He said his years of public service, including six years as treasurer of the United Way of Pennsylvania, his work with the Caring Foundation of Lawrence County and the Lawrence County Family Center Inc. qualify him to serve as mayor.