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Letters to the Editor

Schmitt has proven record of public service

As the former president/CEO of the Altoona Blair County Development Corp., I had the opportunity to work with numerous elected officials at all levels of government, and I can say without reservation that Lou Schmitt exemplifies the highest qualities of dedication, experience, commitment, integrity and service to the positions he has held and to the constituents and communities he has served. Lou Schmitt is a team player, a lifelong resident of Blair County, and he has a demonstrated and proven track record of public service. I totally support and endorse his candidacy for the open ...

Schmitt believes that public safety is priority

Our Blair County Court of Common Pleas currently has a two judge vacancy. As a result, both the criminal and civil case backlog is growing. We are in desperate need of a judge who shares our conservative values. As a former Altoona Police Officer and Blair County Sheriff, I know the importance of having a judge who is strong on law and order. Lou Schmitt is a candidate for judge who not only believes public safety is a priority, as a state representative, Lou wrote Pennsylvania law which has increased safety for all Pennsylvania citizens. We now need Lou to be a judge for us here in ...

Schmitt has qualities to be outstanding judge

It is with much thought and deep pleasure that I write to endorse Lou Schmitt for a seat on the Blair County Court of Common Pleas. Lou possesses the qualities and experiences necessary to be an outstanding judge. Lou’s experiences as a scholar athlete, successful attorney and representative for the 79th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives all indicate that Lou works hard and excels in all endeavors. Lou has found the time to give back to Blair County residents as a volunteer. All of the experiences have more than adequately prepared him for the judgeship. ...

Sisto has compassion, fairness for judge

After being a police officer for over 24 years, I have got to know some of the best people in our legal system. John Sisto is one of those people. John Sisto has shown compassion, commitment and care in and outside of the courtroom. I know this because I have seen it for 24 years, not just during an election year. I’ve personally seen John Sisto help those that are in need and not accept a penny. I’ve seen him show compassion for people who are in some of the darkest parts of their lives. I know John Sisto will continue to show his excellent skills, compassion and fairness ...

Bigelow-Cherry has experience to be MDJ

I am writing this letter of support for Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry as magisterial district judge of Court 24-3-01 serving Northern Blair County. I have known Suzanne professionally over her 30-year legal career. The magisterial district court not only hears criminal cases but hears civil cases as well. Both Suzanne and I have served as court-appointed arbitrators in the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County for decades. In this position, she has experience in hearing cases, ruling on evidence and rendering a decision. These cases can include appeals from magisterial district judges’ ...

Schmitt is the right choice for judge

There is no doubt in my mind that Lou Schmitt has all the qualities befitting a Blair County judge. Having worked his way through law school to become a successful attorney and later becoming the representative of Pennsylvania’s 79th District, Lou has experienced both aspects of the judicial process: practicing law and making law. His sincerity, humility and honesty affords him the right judicial temperament combining fairness and respect for the rule of law. His roots as an Altoona native have taught him respect for human dignity and reverence for Lady Justice. I’m confident ...