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Schmitt excellent choice for judge

Lou Schmitt is a friend of mine. As an attorney and the 79th district state representative Lou’s goals have always been the same — to help Altoona and Blair County to become a better and safer place to raise his family and yours. Over the years, he has helped many people in and around Altoona with different issues they have encountered. I am writing this letter supporting Lou Schmitt, who will be an excellent choice to become the next judge of the Blair County Court of Common Pleas. Mike Sanders Altoona

Congress should protect constituents

The 13th Congressional District comprises all of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin and Perry counties, as well as two parts of Somerset and Cumberland counties. For the most part, the 13th is a rural district. The 13th has a population of about 765,000 and is the most Republican district in the Commonwealth. The simple truth about the 13th District is sobering. More than 217,000 residents in this district rely on Social Security benefits in some form. Over 180,800 people in this district are Medicare eligible. More than 161,000 ...

What welcome can Americans expect?

Ah, retirement! It takes time to adjust, to reflect and grow in new directions. That was four years ago. Now, I stop and think about everything. Will my SS check arrive on time? Will the website crash? Can I call? With Biden, I never worried. Felt we turned a corner. The noise and chaos subsided. Then 2024. Now DOGE, tariffs and chaos. About 10 years ago, we traveled to Europe. You learn everyone has the same day-to-day issues. In the small Italian city of Pompeii, not the archaeological site, there is a 9/11 monument with American and Italian flags. I was surprised that ...

Beegle committed to Allegheny Twp.

Ron Beegle has shown unwavering commitment to the citizens of Allegheny Township. When a newly passed noise ordinance allowed a business to emit noise audible from two miles away, Beegle initiated a petition and gathered signatures. He filed written objections with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and represented citizens’ objections at state hearings and township meetings. He researched state statutes and requirements and retained an attorney at his own expense for the benefit of hundreds of affected residents. Beegle’s dedication and knowledge have been key in ...

Schmitt dedicated to public service

I am proud to support Lou Schmitt for Common Pleas judge in Blair County. I’ve known Lou for 10 years and his dedication to public service truly stands out. I value integrity, fairness and a strong moral compass — qualities Lou embodies. His commitment to justice, his advocacy for the people of Blair County and his devotion to helping those less fortunate than himself are traits that I really admire in Lou. His ability to lead with compassion and strength make him the right choice for judge. Lou’s experience in the courtroom, as a legislator and as a community leader have ...

Sisto will bring fairness to bench

Impartiality is one of the most important qualities a judge can have. That’s why I’m supporting John Sisto in the upcoming judicial election. John Sisto has not spent his career in partisan politics. He brings a clear commitment to fairness, respect for the law and a focus on people — not party. In a time when it feels like politics touches every part of our lives, it’s reassuring to support a candidate who understands that judges must rise above it. We need someone on the bench who hasn’t built their public career around one political party, but instead is ready to serve ...