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Verobish will work to cut regulations

Letters to the Editor

I urge you to vote for Andrea Verobish on March 17. While the 79th state House district has never had a special election, this will present you, the voter, with an opportunity to take part in a historic moment for Pennsylvania. Verobish will carry out the remainder of former state Rep. Lou Schmitt’s term with conservative convictions and will deliver for us. I could not recommend a better person for this role at this time. Verobish is pro-life, will work to cut regulations, will lower taxes, and will aid in the energy renaissance brewing in Pennsylvania. Again, please make a note ...

Earplugs cartoon hits the mark

Letters to the Editor

I was engaged by Tom Stiglich’s cartoon in Friday’s (1/30) Mirror. The illustration depicted a bottle of soft earplugs, over which the title read “How to Effectively Engage with Far-Left Extremists.” I cut it out of my paper. I took a bit of white-out to it: now it reads “How to Effectively Engage with Extremists.” Works great. Hung it over my bed. Jim Winsor Altoona

Endangered Species Act must prevail

Letters to the Editor

Have you ever spent a summer evening in Pennsylvania’s forests watching bats flit overhead, or waded in a stream as a bald eagle soared above? These experiences define the spirit of our Commonwealth. However, this legacy of conservation is at risk as the Endangered Species Act comes under attack. For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been our most effective tool, with a 99% success rate for wildlife conservation. In Pennsylvania, we see its success every time we spot a bald eagle or a peregrine falcon — both once on the brink of vanishing. Today, congressional rollbacks ...

Housing safety must take priority

Editorials

Some Altoona residents might think that the city is being harsh in ordering that two recovery homes be closed because the operator opened the facilities prior to them having passed life-safety inspections that are the responsibility of the Fire and Codes departments. The fact that the homes are a worthy and needed mission here does not override the necessity that the homes be in full compliance with city regulations aimed at protecting the lives and well-being of those whom the homes serve. The fact that the homes are a worthy and needed mission must not ignore the safety and ...

Voters in 79th District reminded of election

Letters to the Editor

Attention voters in Blair County 79th district. There will be a special election held on March 17, 2026, to fulfill the remainder of the former Lou Schmitt’s term. We, the people of the 79th, must take the time to vote in this election and all elections local, state and federal. The future of our country depends on it. Mike Sanders Altoona

America was built by those who care

Letters to the Editor

There are people in America who care about others. When they see the need, they gladly respond for people and animals. They are decent, kind and care about making life better for everyone. They seek no praise, no reward, no attention or recognition for their efforts. The best things in life are given freely, like the air we breathe and human generosity. Many of those caring people comprise America’s labor force. Their jobs vary from farming to trash collection. They do many jobs that others can’t or refuse to do — the work that fuels this country and makes it function. A great ...