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Letters to the Editor

Aigner committed to fairness, justice

Having known Paula Aigner personally for over 20 years, she is the clear choice for judge of Common Pleas. With over 21 years of experience as Magisterial District Judge, Paula has demonstrated a deep commitment to fairness, integrity and justice for all citizens. Her background as both a prosecutor in the Blair County DA’s office and private attorney specializing in family law gives her unmatched perspective on the complex issues facing our courts. Paula is known for her ability to separate politics from her decisions, applying the law compassionately and wisely. She has ...

Keep security, but make immigration easier

Why are we deporting spouses of United States citizens? We should be making them citizens. I don’t care how they got here. When my grandparents came from Italy in the early 1900s, all they had to do was come. In the 1920s, our government started passing restrictive immigration laws based purely on racism. Our immigration laws need to change. Sure, have your background checks to keep out murderers, but make immigration easier. Richard C. Parker Duncansville

Schmitt has experience to be Blair judge

I can say without a doubt that Lou Schmitt is the right choice for Common Pleas judge in Blair County. As a retired Pennsylvania railroad worker, I appreciate Lou’s deep respect for the workers in the railroad industry that built our region. One of his grandfathers came to this country from Bavaria to work as a laborer for the PRR in 1907 and his other grandfather worked as a welder at Sam Rea in Hollidaysburg. His father worked as an electrician at the Juniata Shops. Lou understands the values of hard work, fairness, and standing up for what’s right. His experience as a lawyer ...

Doris Forshey choice for Antis tax collector

As Doris Forshey’s son, I’ve had a front-row seat to the kind of person she is — hardworking, honest and committed to doing things the right way. I’m so proud to support her candidacy for Antis Township tax collector. My mom has 39 years of experience in collections, accounts receivable and tax work. This isn’t just a job she’s applying for — she’s spent her entire career preparing for it. She’s fiscally responsible, organized and understands what this position requires. She’ll make sure our township’s tax records stay accurate and up to date, just like she’s ...

Supporting Sisto for Blair County judge

I have known John Sisto personally and professionally almost his entire life. I spent my entire career in law enforcement with the Altoona Police Department, the Attorney Generals office and the Blair County District Attorney’s Office. I will attest to his character, work ethic, temperament and expertise to be the next Blair County Judge. I have had the ability to witness John Sisto’s skills as a lawyer in the courtroom, his personality outside the courtroom in developing relationships with all law enforcement and his ability to move cases forward without unreasonable delay. I ...

Routch has values needed for judge

Mike Routch has the conservative values we need as a judge. I worked closely with Mike, who was a county solicitor when I was a commissioner. He helped the commissioners through complicated legal issues at our airport and prison. Mike also provided legal counsel to the Blair County Republican Committee when I was the County Chairman. Mike has a steady temperament, a genuine concern for doing what is right, and understands that no judge should legislate from the bench. He is a proud father of two girls and a loving husband. He would bring a dedicated work ethic and a keen legal mind ...