SALINAS, Calif. -- The mayor of Salinas and a Hollister business owner are vying for an Assembly seat representing an area stretching from King City north to San Jose.

Democrat Anna Caballero and Republican Ignacio Velazquez both want to represent the 28th District.

Caballero has spent 15 years serving on the Salinas City Council, including the past eight years as mayor.

She said the job has not been easy. Budget cuts forced the city to cut vital services such as police patrols and library services.

But Caballero said she attacked those challenges by supporing Measure V, a half-cent sales tax incease that passed last November and brought in millions of dollars to restore services.

Caballero said she has gained valuable experience working with businesspeople over the years that will help her at the state level.

Velasquez, who started his own electrical business two decades ago and owns a restaurant in downtown Hollister, is new to the political scene.

Valasquez said he believes his strong business background will help him get results at the Capitol in Sacramento.

Education and curbing gang problems are top priorities for both Velasquez and Caballero.

Velasquez said he wants to see stiffer punishment for violent gang members. Caballero said she would like to see more youth programs aimed at keeping children off the streets and away from gangs.

The seat is currently held by Simon Salinas, who is leaving office due to term limits.