Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

Schmitt prepared to be next Blair judge

Lou Schmitt’s humble beginnings and faithfulness to our community as a lawyer-citizen have prepared him to be one of Blair County’s next judges. As a practicing attorney since 1987, Lou has served as both a private and court-appointed arbitrator in commercial, personal injury, professional negligence, divorce matters and securities fraud. He founded ADR Solutions locally, providing out-of-court dispute resolutions and avoiding significant costs for individuals and for us the taxpayers. Lou is Blair County’s very own Horatio Alger. From a hungry Saint Mary’s schoolboy to ...

Doris Forshey is ready to serve

When it comes to choosing the next tax collector for Antis Township, I’m backing Doris Forshey all the way. Out of the six people running, she’s the one with real, hands-on experience — 39 years of it, in fact — working in collections, accounts receivable, and taxes. That’s the kind of background this job calls for. Doris is smart with money and takes her responsibilities seriously. She also plans to move the tax collector’s office back to the municipal building, which just makes sense — it’ll be safer and easier for people to get to. More than anything, Doris is ...

Schmitt will serve the county well

My very good friend Lou Schmitt is running for judge of the Blair County Court of Common Pleas on May 20. I’ve known Lou for over 40 years, going back to his basketball days at Roosevelt, Altoona High and Saint Francis University. After graduating from New Hampshire School of Law, Lou has been very involved in the community, attending many events with his family, such as the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. In 2018, he was elected as our state legislator for the 79th District and has always worked hard for all of us. Over the years, I have seen Lou in action, always professional with ...

Sisto leads with compassion, respect

As an educator with over 30 years of experience, I value integrity, fairness and a deep commitment to community. That’s why I’m proud to endorse John Sisto for Blair County judge. I’ve known John for more than 40 years — we grew up in the same neighborhood, and I’ve watched him become a dedicated attorney who never forgot his roots. He continues to serve the very people he grew up with, always leading with compassion and respect. Sisto brings not only legal knowledge, but also a strong moral compass shaped by the same community values we all share. He will be a fair, ...

Routch dedicated to law, service

I’m proud to support Mike Routch for judge. For 20+ years, I’ve known Mike to be a strong conservative dedicated to the law and serving our community. There is no other candidate in this race who has done more for our community and more to advance conservative principles in Blair County. I’ve known Mike only to give to our community, never asking anything from it. He’s a friend to veterans, to the unborn, to faith, to freedom, but most importantly, Mike is a friend to the law. He truly believes that serving as a judge is not just the highest calling of the legal ...

Bigelow-Cherry eligible, qualified

This letter serves as our endorsement of Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry for the position of magisterial district judge. As we think about this important elected position, it just makes sense to elect a viable candidate who is both eligible and qualified for the position. Suzanne is the only candidate to satisfy both of these qualifications to date. We should elect a candidate who has knowledge and experience necessary to deal with cases involving the law. As a practicing attorney for 30 years, Suzanne has the educational background and relevant experience best suited for the role of ...