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Letters to the Editor

Aigner has proven ability for judge

I am writing to add my full-hearted endorsement to Paula Aigner, who is running for judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Paula has proven her ability as a judge, having served as a Magisterial District Judge for the past 21 years, handling criminal and civil cases. She is the only candidate with judicial experience in addition to practical experience in criminal and family law. Our courts need the experience Judge Aigner would bring to the Common Pleas Bench. Please join me in supporting Paula Aigner for judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County. Barry W. Wright Altoona

Paper mill site could be good for prison

In Roaring Spring a blighted paper mill is in the process of being demolished. Why not a prison on this site? It will take a year or two to develop, present, approve, allow construction for a new prison just about the time the paper mill site is cleared. Plenty of land is available for the initial build and expansion, road access to Route 36 and Hollidaysburg a mere 8-9 miles away. What’s more, it will make use of soon-to-be-vacant land. Mike Metzgar Roaring Spring

Schmitt has best interest of the people

I first met Lou Schmitt several years ago at a church dinner. I was new to the church and Lou didn’t know me from Adam, but he and his wife Helen approached me and we had a pleasant conversation. My wife Judy and I no longer felt like strangers, but felt we were welcomed in that community. Since that time. I’ve followed Lou’s political career and felt he’s always had the best interests of the people of the 79th district at heart. I believe he will continue to serve Blair County residents as judge of the County Common Pleas Court, while providing fair treatment to those who come ...

Wealthy politicians fooled people again

There’s a saying: “They aren’t laughing with you, they’re laughing at you.” In today’s political climate, that seems more relevant than ever for many MAGA supporters. Too many voters have formed a parasocial bond with politicians and pundits who feed them the hate-filled rhetoric they crave. Others cling to being one-issue voters, wrongly believing the GOP represents their values. President Donald Trump doesn’t care about lowering grocery prices, creating jobs or cutting taxes for the working class. His actions prove it. Allowing Elon Musk to gut the federal ...

Sisto stands out as courtroom ready

Blair County has four strong candidates for judge, but John Sisto stands out as courtroom ready. With over 30 years of experience in criminal and family law, John works daily at the Blair County Courthouse and understands the challenges our system faces. He proposes a “streamlined misdemeanor court” to handle lower-level cases efficiently, allowing judges to focus on serious criminal matters. Born and raised in Altoona, John is a dedicated attorney, local business owner and community supporter of youth sports and civic programs. John has built strong relationships with law ...

Bigelow-Cherry qualified to be MDJ

I am endorsing Attorney Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry for our next Magisterial District Judge in Northern Blair County. Her education plus 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney makes her the only qualified candidate that can hear cases on day one. In Pennsylvania, MDJ candidates who are not attorneys need to take a course and pass an exam. There are several documented incidents where individuals won the MDJ race but were unable to pass the exam, resulting in courts being bogged down. Blair county is already battling a backlog of court cases. We cannot afford to elect someone who ...