How evil and devastating that judges, district attorneys and law enforcement yielded the rule of law to the Catholic hierarchy on reports of child sex abuse by the clergy.When did the Catholic Church become a branch of the judiciary? It's inconceivable that those regarded to be of the highest ...

Election Day is our chance to continue making a positive impact on our state government.We grumble about politicians. They say anything to get elected, then they forget about their promises and do whatever they want.This is why I am urging you to vote to re-elect John McGinnis to the 79th ...

Over the last several months, the ads in our local area, touting the advantage of private school education over public school education, disturb me.I especially take issue with statements that more than 80 percent of private school students go on to higher education.I would ask, why not 90 ...

John McGinnis has worked relentlessly to cut wasteful spending in Harrisburg in an effort to reduce our tax liability.He is committed to reform the state pension system which, if it goes unchecked, leaves each and every tax payer in Pennsylvania with an unfunded liability. Unfortunately, we are ...

I am certain we all share a profound grief for the victims of child sexual abuse in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.I grew up in Altoona and was a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes. As an advocate for abused and neglected children, I witness the catastrophic damage that these victims endure. ...

In Pennsylvania, we have 203 state representatives.One of these is state Rep. John McGinnis of the 79th District. He is working for the taxpayers of his district, as well as the taxpayers of the entire state.McGinnis is working diligently to address the financial disaster of the state's pension ...

This is a reply to the "Blind Faith" letter by Elizabeth Shade, the moral authority of Altoona and surrounding areas.As a proud Catholic, I, too, was disgusted, sickened but mostly brokenhearted over the scandal in our diocese. I was also taught to respect authority - if so deserved.The only ...

On April 26, my vote will be for Rep. John McGinnis of the 79th District.I have known McGinnis for many years, and he is a man of his word, a man of integrity. He has accomplished what we ask him to do, faithfully representing the interests of all the people of the 79th District.I hear ...

Former Gov. Edward Rendell, speaking at the inauguration of PA Supreme Court Justice Dougherty, advised voters to vote for candidates able to do the job who have heart.He defined heart as caring for those they will represent and willing to do what is best for them, even if doing that opposes ...

Hardly a week goes by without presidential candidate Donald Trump's provocative antics capturing the headlines for all the wrong reasons.From his attacks on his critics and rivals to his inappropriate rhetoric about minorities and the increasing number of reports of ejection of ...

Penn State Altoona and its students are an integral part of the city.The Mirror reported on the efforts of students Austin Fink and Dave Stewart to become involved in city government affairs. I'm certain Altoona will welcome that involvement.Fink, addressing city council, expressed disdain for ...

We are a nation of immigrants. However, immigration must be reasonable. Congressman Bill Shuster has let things get out of control.When immigration outpaces our ability to assimilate migrants into our culture and economy, consequences become dire.Shuster supported the expansion of visas for ...

In this day and age when our political choices appear to be limited to the evils of lessers, when at every election we are seemingly forced to choose between either demagogues or professional panderer-politicians (or those who are both), it is vitally important that we recognize, appreciate and ...

Since 2009, Joe Sestak has exhibited two characteristics which compel his election to the U.S. Senate, unique knowledge coupled with an unimaginable work ethic.Sestak has been to our area over a dozen times, with similar visits all across Pennsylvania; he certainly is not "low ...

I want to thank the kind lady ahead of me in the drive-through window at the Chestnut Avenue Taco Bell on Saturday, March 5, about 4:30 p.m. who paid for my meal.I hope she sees this and knows how happy she made me.Kate PrescottAltoona

John McGinnis is an absolute genius when it comes to finance.He is spot on as far as pension reform.When the time comes for him to leave office, he should definitely become a lobbyist for finance.McGinnis is one million plus one percent pro-military and one million plus one percent ...

My question/writing here is "How can we, as one nation under God, our United States, expect to prosper/have blessings when we are destroying our little ones in the womb by abortion?"There are so many telling signs of the downward, slippery slope we are on as a nation. Our economy's $19 trillion ...

Pro-life - what does that mean? It seems to mean a lot of things to a lot of different people.Some think it means to be concerned for the poor.Others think it means to do away with the death penalty. Others think it means to be civil with people at all times.But when anyone active in the ...

When I think about the type of person I want representing me in Harrisburg, John McGinnis is No. 1 on my list.McGinnis understands the oath of office he took when he agreed to represent Altoona and all the people of Pennsylvania to the best of his ability, with common sense and honesty.Many ...

I recently needed help from Congressman Bill Shuster's office on a federal issue and want to thank his helpful staff for their guidance and assistance.Shuster has earned my vote on April 26 when we go vote in the primary election.He's the only candidate from the district and also runs a clean ...