9TH DISTRICT RACE Newcomer takes on 5-term veteran

Both candidates support legalizing slot machines.
& lt;a href=mailto:cioffi@vindy.com & gt;By LAURE CIOFFI & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The race between Audrey Kraner and Chris Sainato is one of a new face facing experience.
Kraner, of Neshannock Township, has never run for public office and her opponent is hoping to secure his fifth term in office as the state representative for the 9th District.
Both are seeking the Democratic nomination in the primary election. There are no Republicans on the ballot, so the winner is nearly assured victory in the fall too.
"I believe the people in this area deserve a lot more than they are getting. I think they deserve better representation," Kraner said.
Sainato believes he had done a lot of good things for his district.
"We are seeing a lot of positive things happening," he said.
Sainato cites the $5 million state grant brought in for New Castle's Downtown Revitalization, which he says all elected officials worked on getting, and the joint effort in getting Millennium Park -- a proposed high-technology business park in Neshannock Township -- off the ground. State money has also been promised to that project.
Jobs a priority
But Kraner says she wants to see actions that result in jobs. Kraner is vice president of Teamsters Local 250 in Pittsburgh.
"There are a lot of people living and working with low-paying jobs and I believe we need to work at bringing better jobs to this area. The governor just signed the bill for an economic stimulus program. I would use it in different areas in trying to persuade different companies to come here," she said.
While jobs are important, Sainato also touts his work to expand Pennsylvania's senior citizen prescription drug program.
Both candidates say they support legalized slot machines and property tax reform.
"I don't think you should have to choose between paying property taxes and buying medication. I think there needs to be some type of fair property reassessment," Kraner said.
Sainato said he believes property tax reform will come as a result of legalized slot machines.
& lt;a href=mailto:cioffi@vindy.com & gt;cioffi@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;