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Letters to the Editor

FDA should reign in counterfeit drugs

It is time for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to exercise its authority and reign in the unregulated manufacturing of GLP-1 drugs, which are more commonly known as weight loss drugs. As demand for name brand GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic and Wegovy drugs has risen, an unregulated manufacturing market has developed. Counterfeit GLP-1 drugs have become widely accessible. These counterfeit versions are not subject to FDA regulations. Even more unsettling are the reports that counterfeit versions of these drugs have been their way into the U.S. ...

Aigner experienced candidate for judge

From my perspective as a retired Pennsylvania State Police Trooper, I wholeheartedly endorse Magisterial District Judge Paula Aigner for the position of Blair County Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Over the past 20 years I have observed her interactions with police officers, defendants, prison personnel and the public. I find her to be professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. She is already well-versed in the law and Court procedures. Paula would fit seamlessly into the role of Common Pleas Judge. Paula Aigner should be everyone’s first choice when voting on May 20th, ...

Routch compassionate, qualified for bench

Mike Routch is a conservative, compassionate leader with the right qualifications to be a Blair County judge. I got to know Mike when he coached my mock trial team more than 20 years ago at Providence Academy. Mike’s commitment and dedication to my students gave him very little public exposure, but the confidence that experience gave those young people has resonated in the years since. Mike understands Blair County. According to the Altoona Mirror, in 2023, Blair County’s prison began to provide mental health counseling for inmates. Mike’s proposal to establish a mental ...

Sisto has knowledge, work ethic for judge

I write to express my strongest support for attorney John Sisto’s candidacy for judge of the Court of Common Pleas. I have had the privilege of practicing law with Attorney Sisto for 16 years, often on opposite ends of various legal matters. I have seen firsthand his exceptional knowledge of all of the legal matters, family law, criminal law support custody dependency, that are routinely tried before judges of the Court of Common Pleas. I have also been a first-hand witness to his tremendous work ethic. The combination of his unrivaled experience in the legal issues ...

Schmitt devoted to serving others

This election Blair County voters will make an important decision by voting for a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. We need to choose an individual who is hard working, uses sound judgment based on the law and is willing to use fairness and integrity in making decisions. In addition, this individual needs to know the people of Blair County and is dedicated to keeping them safe and protecting their rights. There is no person more qualified and dedicated to serve as judge than Lou Schmitt. Lou is a lifelong resident of Blair County who is a distinguished attorney, serves as a ...

Sisto has sound judgment for law

As an interventional cardiologist serving Blair County, I understand the importance of sound judgment, integrity, and precision — values critical in both medicine and law. That’s why I support John Sisto for Blair County Judge. John brings a deep understanding of the law, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His character and clarity make him uniquely qualified to serve our community from the bench. Just as physicians must balance knowledge with compassion, a judge must weigh facts with fairness and always serve with empathy and ethical strength. John exemplifies ...