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Letters to the Editor

Poll shows gap between haves and have-nots

The results of the altoonamirror.com Web Poll that appeared in the Jan. 10-11, 2026 edition of the Mirror caught my attention with particular reference to the word “affordability.” Affordability, as mentioned in the poll, was used to describe the economy and rising prices with the question as to whether people are able to easily pay their monthly expenses. Operative word being “easily.” Before examining the results of the poll, keep in mind that Donald Trump recently referred to the term affordability as a “con job,” a “false narrative” and a “hoax,” especially by ...

Republicans should vote in special election

Since the composition of the current State House district system in 1968, the 79th District has never held a special election. This year, on March 17, voters residing in the 79th (formerly held by Lou Schmitt) will face an historic opportunity to vote in a special election. While unfamiliar, this process will unfold similarly to a general election, where any registered voter can vote. It is of paramount importance that we rally behind our Republican nominee for the March 17 special election, Andrea Verobish, to ensure that the people of the 79th have representation to fulfill the ...

Game Commission seeks public comment

When the Game Commission asks I assume it’s required by law or because they think it makes them look good. If they really care about what the hunters want, survey all the hunters when they purchase their licenses each year. Since this is all computerized, it should be rather easy to do. Then publish the results, this should limit all the controversy they create. I believe most hunters would be better in tune with the decisions they make if they knew this is what the hunters want. Dennis Lee Nevling Altoona

When do billionaires share with all of us?

Marco Rubio said on an ABC interview that U.S. oil companies will take over and run Venezuelan oil fields. He claimed that the oil revenues will be shared with the Venezuelan people instead of going to a handful of billionaires. It is so nice to live in America where our billionaires share their money with the people. All US citizens benefit from the bountiful generosity of our billionaires. How stupid does Rubio think we are? George Christ Loretto

Steve Sheetz brought spiritz to community

A humble and kind human being. An extraordinary business role model. A selfless and generous supporter of his community and all of the organizations for which he served as a champion. This does not even begin to characterize Steve Sheetz or describe the void that his passing has created. Even with the well-deserved national recognition and stature that Steve is respected and admired for, he remained “just Steve”! The “guy” that built a convenience store empire from a single location on Union Avenue, Steve was still a “guy” whose life was shaped by a community he ...

What defending life looks like

Jan. 22 is observed by Catholics across the United States as the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. It is a day to mourn lives lost through abortion, but also to ask a deeper question: do we truly believe every human life has value? Tom and Lena Hudson of Wauconda, Illinois, are the parents of nine children. Their seventh child, Sarah, was born weighing just four pounds and diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a severe genetic condition. Sarah cannot speak or walk. She cannot sit up for long. She is prone to illness and requires constant care. From the moment she was ...