Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

The PA Leadership Conference in Harrisburg I attended last March for the Campaign and Candidates class seems like years ago instead of months. I was trying to get the best grasp possible to see what it would take to win a seat on the Altoona City Council. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, however, I learned quickly on that day that it was going to be a tough task. Unsuccessful candidates from all over the Commonwealth who ran in previous elections stood up one by one at different times...

Thomas,

I agree with you that parts of Sixth and Seventh Avenues are known for their blighted appearance, and have been for years. This has certainly not escaped the notice of the City Council, which is part of the reason for the Gateway Project being focused on that area the past two years. The Gateway Project has involved code sweeps along with community volunteer efforts to help property owners in that area improve the exteriors of their properties. The Gateway Project h...

Valley View Home, the Blair County Nursing Home is managed by Affinity Health Services, Inc. In response to a recent letter questioning aspects of care at Valley View Home and implying possible abuse, Affinity and Blair County have strict and thorough policies prohibiting any form of abuse. We take the care of the residents very seriously and do not tolerate any mistreatment. Our policies and practices prevent mistreatment and protect the individual who may report any allegations of abuse. Ou...

I strongly disagree that I have turned my back on the elderly by bringing Affinity Health Services in to manage the County's skilled nursing facility, Valley View Home. The home has been a significant drain on the county's financial situation over the past several years. Instead of just planning to get rid of the home, I felt we should bring in a professional management team that has a proven track record in many other County and private facilities. We interviewed all five of the...

I serve on the Board of the Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau. We are currently engaged in a Long Range Planning process. Part of the process is to identify both current and needed assets in the travel and tourism arena, including several categories. I would love to have your input into this process. Can you please respond using the following categories: Attractions, Dining, Lodging, Retail, Entertainment, Transportation and Other. Please tell me what we have alr...

I understand your concern about so many drug clinics being placed in one area. Recently, I introduced a resolution that directs the Department of Health to conduct a geographical study which determines drug treatment accessibility and where there is a need for treatment facilities throughout the different counties of the commonwealth. Also, this resolution orders that a moratorium be placed on the issuance of new licenses for drug and alcohol treatment facilities until the study ...

I am compelled to agree with most of the argument Tom presented in his piece last month. In my 22 years of law enforcement I was never presented with any incidents where I was outgunned by assault weapons. I believe the majority of incidents in the larger cities where weapons are used a handgun is the predominant choice among criminals.

An assault weapon in certain instances is becoming the preferred choice in the criminal world for its high rate of fire.