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Altoona on tap to see housing high

Editorials

Most people have heard the phrase beginning with “Year of the,” denoting an emphasis on one particular topic or group of topics — also possibly including a number of sub-topics of similar scope or substance. For Altoona, if all falls into place as deemed possible and workable, 2026 might well merit designation as the “Year of the House,” because of how housing-related preliminary work already underway is establishing the groundwork for exciting possibilities, going forward, for this forward-looking city. The effort that’s underway must continue — uninhibited. Leaders ...

Not missing the US under Biden admin

Letters to the Editor

When Joe Biden was president, the economy wasn’t booming. Unemployment wasn’t low and we didn’t have good relationships with other countries. Biden and the Democrats didn’t help the working class. Their policies hurt us. Inflation wasn’t low; it was the highest since the Carter administration. Gasoline prices spiked. Food prices skyrocketed. And utilities increased their rates. The effects of the shutdown. They forced businesses to close and to fire employees for not getting the vaccine. Saying don’t to Putin didn’t create peace. That allowed him to invade Ukraine. ...

Trump doing what he was elected to do

Letters to the Editor

President Donald Trump is neither a “King,” a “Dictator,” nor is he a threat to Democracy. His actions show the opposite. He is a bold leader who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. He is doing what voters elected him to do, focusing on issues that matter most to everyday Americans. He has built American strength through deregulation, energy independence, and supporting U.S. manufacturing. Over $10 trillion in new investments have been promised by domestic and foreign companies. Trump tariffs brought in $350 billion in revenue in fy2025; much more is expected in ...

Lakemont suit needs a mediator

Editorials

Blair County’s recent decision to sue Lakemont Partnership and a decision in August by Lakemont Partnership to sue Blair County are evidence of a lease dispute too complex to be resolved quickly. That’s why we’re recommending Blair County Court of Common Pleas identify a mediator as fast as possible to work with both entities and set deadlines to be monitored by a judge. Perhaps a mediator — one with a good legal background — will be able to sort through the accusations and arguments in the lawsuits and work on potential resolutions. Some may shake their heads at the ...

Rager, Hunt need to vote ‘no’ on tax hike

Letters to the Editor

I am writing as the First Vice President of the Cambria County Farm Bureau. I oppose the Cambria County Commissioner’s proposed tax increase. Commissioners Rager and Hunt are choosing to stifle economic growth, as well as create an undue burden on individuals. We are all feeling the squeeze already, and Rager and Hunt do this. Property taxes themselves are an antiquated idea that were meant to make rich land barons pay their fair share, but this is not 1872, and our county land is owned by middle and working class people, not Ted Turner and Brad Kelley. Things have started to turn ...

College grads face hurdles to success

Editorials

If a new prediction evolves into fact, many college students whose degrees will be conferred in the spring could face days, weeks, months or longer of anxiety or unfulfilled dreams, according to an article that was published in the Wall Street Journal last month. Some people might shrug off that notion, reminding others that it is commonplace for uncertainties and anxieties to greet new graduates beginning this new chapter of their lives. Of course, the level of uncertainty and anxiety will depend on students’ preparation for this new phase of their lives. Those who have engaged in ...