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Letters to the Editor

New rec authority a welcome addition

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the Blair County commissioners for creating the Trail, Parks and Recreation Authority. Local governments across the country are realizing the top two things that bring and keep people in the area are good schools and parks. Most would agree area schools are excellent but our parks and recreation are seriously lacking. Garfield Park in Altoona is an example of how this can change. Private fundraising transformed two unused, old tennis courts into a vibrant pickleball facility. The Blair Recreation Commission took note of the ...

Sisto is ‘courtroom ready’ for bench

Blair County will elect two new Common Pleas Court judges this year. I have been practicing law in Blair County for decades. We need a judge with the right credentials. First, diverse experience in the practice of law. Second, considerable courtroom experience. Third, the ability to make reasoned decisions. Fourth, strong communication and writing skills to address litigants and attorneys in the courtroom and to write orders and opinions. Fifth, common sense/judicial temperament. Attorney John Sisto meets these criteria. His decades of legal experience, combined with his frequent ...

Schmitt has qualities essential to be judge

I’m writing today not just as a community member, but as someone who has had the privilege of knowing Lou Schmitt personally for many years. As a friend, I’ve seen firsthand the integrity, fairness and compassion that he brings to life’s sometimes difficult decisions. Lou is the kind of person who listens with an open mind, weighs decisions carefully and always seeks to do what is right — not just what is easy. These qualities aren’t just admirable in a friend — they’re essential in a judge. And that’s exactly why I have complete confidence in his service to our ...

Schmitt will respect Blair County laws

I am writing about Lou Schmitt, our current state representative. We all know he is a great attorney and a monumental state representative, always working to help the people. Now I am going to tell you what a great person he is. He is a dedicated family man and human being. If a stranger has a question about anything, Lou would listen to that person and do his best to get an answer. As a state representative, he is dedicated to job security in the area. He loves the railroad and that is why he has the best volunteers. If Lou is voted in as a new judge for Blair County, he will ...

Bigelow-Cherry qualified for MDJ

Because she brings both education and 30 years of legal experience to the position of Magisterial District Justice in Northern Blair County, Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry is the best qualified candidate for this position. She is open-minded, fair and considers all aspects when dealing with legal and court-related matters. In addition, she is conscientious and always well-prepared for any task she is undertaking. She is community-minded and family-oriented. All of these qualities make Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry the best and most-qualified candidate for Magisterial District Justice in Northern ...

Sisto would apply law fairly as judge

I am writing to support Attorney John Sisto for judge of the Blair County Court of Common Pleas. I met John approximately 21 years ago when I began practicing law in 2004. I immediately recognized that he was a skilled attorney with a vast knowledge of family law, civil law and criminal law. Since that time, John and I have been competitors, colleagues, friends and now share professional office space. He has represented clients in Blair County courtrooms for over 30 years, and he understands how to apply the law in a fair manner to the legal disputes that arise in our ...