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Bigelow-Cherry shows commitment

Letters to the Editor

I am endorsing Attorney Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry for our next magisterial district judge in Northern Blair County. Not only is she the most qualified candidate for the position due to her 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney, she is the only candidate that has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. Bigelow-Cherry has been involved in scouting as a volunteer and leader, participated in sports booster clubs, was the president of the Tyrone Women’s Club, and serves in various roles in her church. She also volunteers as a coach for Bellwood Area School ...

Pharma can keep you on hook for life

Opinion

Only two countries on earth let drug companies pitch their products directly to you and me: New Zealand and the United States. Canada dabbled in these direct-to-consumer ads but quickly tightened up their rules. The European Union, back in 2008, took one look and said, “Nope — not here.” Here, however, the Food and Drug Administration requires the companies to list the risks and side effects. Consequently, pharma produces ads that are built around a warm Hallmark Movie family scene while a voiceover lays out a death march of side effects. It’s like watching a gentle ...

Cricket Knoll: Staying open about plans

Editorials

Anyone who did not read the entire Sept. 24 Mirror article “Altoona officials meet with Cricket Knoll residents” might have missed what possibly were the two most important paragraphs of that article. Parts of those paragraphs are as follows: — “When the plan is finished, there will be additional meetings with residents.” — “We’ll keep the conversation going.” It was Altoona City Manager Christopher McGuire who made those comments, spoken during a meeting with more than a dozen Cricket Knoll residents. Also attending that meeting was City Councilman Jesse ...

Allegheny Township deserves Imler

Letters to the Editor

Fred Imler has been the definition of stability for Allegheny Township for 24 years. He has represented the township and its constituents with professionalism, candor and integrity as a conservative leader in the community. Imler has consistently proven to be straightforward and honest is his decisions for the betterment of the entire township, not just one department. The voters in Allegheny Township deserve his leadership and should not settle for anything less. Jordan Settle Altoona

Serpentine aster should be state flower

Letters to the Editor

After witnessing the beauty of the serpentine aster at Nottingham Park in Chester County, I’m inspired to suggest it as our new state flower. This unique species, resembling small daisies, blooms every fall in the serpentine barrens of Pennsylvania and Maryland. But its limited habitat is what makes it truly special, with Nottingham Park being one of the few places in the world where it’s adequately protected. I think by adopting the serpentine aster as our state symbol, we can raise awareness and rally support for its preservation, ensuring this natural treasure is ...

Bigelow-Cherry would be sure bet

Letters to the Editor

I’m not a gambler. Although it’s necessary sometimes in work or personal decisions, I generally try to avoid risk and to bet on sure things. That’s why I’m supporting Suzanne (Susie) Bigelow-Cherry for district magistrate. I’ve known Bigelow-Cherry for over 40 years and have plenty of reasons to believe she will provide professional service to our community. In all of my experiences, she has earned and maintained my respect. She and her husband, Mike, have raised two fine young adult children who grew up with my kids. They’ve been good neighbors, and ...