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Letters to the Editor

Natural gas, oil workers need support

I want to take a moment to applaud the contributions of a group we often take for granted — our Pennsylvania natural gas and oil workers. The over 90,000 hardworking Pennsylvanians in the natural gas and oil industry play a vital role in making our everyday lives possible. Natural gas and oil produced here in the Keystone State power every sector of the economy and impact every facet of our lives, from heating our homes and fueling transportation to supporting the manufacture of products we use every single day. In addition, the industry supports more than 423,000 jobs, ...

Democracy shredded while we’re watching

With the political landscape of current times it’s hard to imagine that hardly anybody is paying attention. I guess the shock and awe strategy of our executive branch is working, I know it’s working on me. Is the government actually banning books in libraries? Is the president really using our government to get even with everyone who prosecuted him for crimes he committed? The use of government to attack political opponents is a claim he made without any morsel of evidence as is usual with most of his accusations like a the rigged election. Now the evidence of his using ...

National civics lesson is in order

As I ponder today the effects of Donald Trump’s tariffs, I am once again reminded that no country can impose taxes on another country. Who do you think will be paying for these tariffs? The answer, of course, is we the people of the United States. The obvious victims of this dangerous and frivolous abuse of power are we the citizens of the USA. Congress has apparently forsaken their power and responsibility to level taxation on Americans to the Executive branch of government. Where are the voices of Congress, where are you, John Joyce? For those about to retire, I wish ...

Aigner well qualified and experienced

Magisterial District Justice Paula Aigner is seeking election to the position of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County. Having been a district justice for the past 21 years, she is the only candidate with proven judicial experience. With two vacancies on the court there is a backlog of cases, and Aigner will quickly be able to assist in addressing this backlog, affording both plaintiffs and defendants timely resolutions to their cases. Paula is a person of deep faith, active community involvement and strong character. With knowledge of both the law and court procedures, ...

Schmitt will work tirelessly as judge

I’m writing to respectfully ask you to join me on May 20, in voting for Lou Schmitt for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Blair County. Over the years I’ve gotten to know Lou and I respect the man that he is today. His story is a great story, from the streets of Altoona to his position in the State Legislature, this man never gives up. God fearing, loving family man and a warrior for Blair County. Lou fights for the rights of all of us every day. We need a person in the courts who is committed to working on the case backlog that has been plaguing our system in recent ...

Schmitt, Sisto highly qualified for bench

The qualities one looks for in a candidate for the Court of Common Pleas judge should be integrity, patience, compassion and a strong understanding of the law. On May 20, registered voters will have an opportunity to vote for two seats on the Blair County Court of Common Pleas. I am very familiar with two of the four candidates and I will be casting my vote for State Representative Lou Schmitt and Atty. John Sisto. I have known each of them for over 50 years and both are highly qualified to take the bench. I am honored and consider it a privilege to lend my support to and ...