Gov. Wolf,

You have the power to do great good for Pennsylvanians and you have the power to do great harm. Unfortunately, I fear you are currently closer to the latter of the two.

Take Slippery Rock and the 16057 ZIP code, for example: According to our state's Department of Health, the 16057 code has only six positive cases. The confirmation of those cases is questionable as we have realized collecting and reporting data has been troublesome.

We are 51 miles from Pittsburgh and 81 from Erie so we are not so near metropolitan areas over which you have great concern. Our population density is only about 160 people per square mile.

Just a few miles away from us are the Mercer and Lawrence County lines. Places like Grove City (seven miles from Slippery Rock) and New Castle (17 miles from Slippery Rock) were able to “reopen.” And yet, Slippery Rock will not be allowed to “reopen,” though, because it falls in Butler County. As such, Slippery Rock will continue to decay and her citizens will continue to pay the price for it.

Fifteen-thousand of us who live in the 16057 ZIP code cannot go back to work or open our businesses. We are suffering. Our businesses are closing their doors for good. Many of our workers who applied for unemployment benefits four to six weeks ago have still not received a penny. Citizens are relying on our school districts and food banks to eat.

The scientific data that our state's Department of Health has collected on our area is clear. The 16057 ZIP code is not at any great risk from COVID-19. Knowing this, you have the knowledge and the power to do a great good for those of us living in the Slippery Rock area. We MUST reopen as much of our local economy as possible and soon. Otherwise, I fear we may not be able to recover from this.

Please hear our plea, Governor Wolf.

With Love for God & Country ,

Jondavid R. Longo,

mayor, Slippery Rock

Editor's note: This was written before Butler County was moved from a red to yellow zone.