In the Pennsylvania Democratic primary race for the 54th Legislative District, much like the Democratic presidential primary, candidates are touting the merits of experience vs. the power of change.

"I think seniority is absolutely important in any job. I think institutional knowledge is important in any job. I have that," said state Rep. John E. Pallone of New Kensington.

He believes his seven years in office puts him in a more favorable position to influence progress in his district than a new candidate.

"I think we lose in the long run if we bring in a new guy," Mr. Pallone said.

His competitor, retired Air Force Maj. Anthony Shea, said the 54th District needs an "out-of-the-box thinker," like himself, to provide solutions for persistent issues such as property tax reform and transportation.

"I've knocked on 1,500 doors. I've heard the stories of so many people, and they're crying for a change," said Mr. Shea, 41, of Gilpin.

They agree that property tax reform, education, transportation, maintaining infrastructure, public safety and the economy are the most important issues facing their district, which encompasses 11 cities and townships in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.

But each has different means in mind to reach those ends.

Mr. Shea plans to eliminate property taxes with revenue from gambling funds combined with a broad-based sales tax, an adjusted income tax and community votes to fund locally sponsored activities.

Mr. Pallone, 47, a co-sponsor of Stop Taxing Our Properties legislation, says he has worked with the state Legislature for years on the issue of property taxes and his continued presence would bring the state closer to a realistic and sustainable solution.

"I think there's an ongoing initiative in the Legislature to continue to reduce property taxes," he said.

"It's unreal to say we're going to eliminate taxes because we're going to shift taxes. Do we shift them to sales [taxes], downshift them to income. Is there some sort of hybrid?"

Regarding transportation, Mr. Pallone said he's brought in more than $130 million for the redesign and rehabilitation of the Freeport Bridge; $44 million for the second phase of the Route 22 Corridor project; and more than $12 million for what he calls "small projects," in his district.

Mr. Shea said that district should see more results from those funds, particularly for the proposed commuter rail line from Arnold to downtown Pittsburgh. That line is in the second phase of planning and study.

"Everyone wants a T-line and we've been studying it for 40 years," said Mr. Shea. "We can't wait until things are condemned, like the Freeport Bridge, to do something."

Mr. Shea's campaign is centered on change, adding that his leadership role in the Air Force for 22 years would serve him well in office.

Mr. Pallone praised Mr. Shea's military endeavors, but questioned whether it was enough to help run the district.

"My opponent's experience is very limited," Mr. Pallone said. "He has no private sector experience. Basically, he took orders for the last 22 years. When I look at that in terms of guidance, what does that do for the district?"

Mr. Shea said he can implement ideas he has picked up from around the world during his military career into his district.

"I've been in 35 different countries", he said. "I've seen so many different things, not just here. It's given me a plethora of experience."

No Republican filed for the primary in the 54th District.