New Castle voters to elect 3 to council

Most candidates said careful spending and economic development are priorities.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Voters will decide Tuesday on three new city council members.
All 10 candidates for the seats are Democrats.
Councilwoman Patricia May is the only incumbent seeking re-election. Incumbent Democrats Mark Elisco and John Russo Jr. are not seeking re-election, but are instead running for Lawrence County commissioner.
Dan Cook said that if elected, he wants to continue the economic growth of the city and will work to increase the city's tax base by bringing new businesses to the city.
Thomas P. Costa believes his experience as a superintendent for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and as an auditor in the Pennsylvania auditor general's office qualify him to serve on the council.
Property taxes
"We need to hold the line on property taxes," he said. "We have to live within our budget. We just can't raise our taxes."
Les Davis believes the council needs to insist on more strict enforcement of city codes and zoning ordinances.
A former chairman of the New Castle Sanitation Authority for 22 years, Davis would like to see citizens participate in a voluntary neighborhood cleanup and beautification program.
Karen De Carlo said that if elected, her priority would be to continue economic development of the downtown, while at the same time maintaining fiscal responsibility and addressing the needs and safety of all neighborhoods.
"Dealing with children every day and having an elderly mother living with me, I understand first hand the necessity of public safety," she said.
Private sector
John Fusco said he would like to see the private sector more involved in the economic growth of the city. He wants to stop the practice of the city buying downtown private property where the owners are paying taxes and turning the areas into parking lots or parks where there is no tax revenue generated.
Ed Jopek said that if elected, he will work to sell the city parking garage because it is a losing venture. He said the council needs to work to complete the zoning ordinances that have been in the works for five years.
Jopek said that though he wants to see the downtown revitalization projects completed, he doesn't want the rest of the city to suffer because of the focus on the downtown.
Rob Ratkovich said that he would work to ensure public safety of New Castle citizens by requiring anyone who wants to solicit in the city to pay for a permit. He would also like to see the city require criminal background checks on anyone who wants to solicit products or services door-to-door.
Ratkovich said he wants to see downtown revitalization move forward, but without any unnecessary spending.
"I have learned through my experiences in business that you can't spend what you don't have," he said.
Deficit
Joe Sparano wants to find out why the city is operating in a deficit. He believes the parking authority is part of the problem. He wants a study done of the parking authority and for the council to consider eliminating it.
"Using my experience and education, I can be an asset in the rebirth of the city," Sparano said.
Edward Yerage Jr. said he would put the needs of the people first. He sees a need for harmony and stability among the council members.
Yerage believes he has strong leadership qualities, strong organizational and personal skills that would be of benefit to the council. He wants to work toward the economic growth and business development of the downtown and throughout the city.