There are a number of sounds that are always associated with specific occurrences.

Everyone is familiar with the sound of the medical equipment flat-lining as a person dies in the movies.

Many spoken lines warn us of the terrible consequences of hearing that steel door clanging behind you as the jail cell door locks you in.

The blast of the starter pistol signals the start of a race.

Earlier this month, Gov. Tom Wolf announced what will surely be the signal to start a new sound that will be repeated across the state in businesses large and small.

The sound will be that of the locking of the door. The door that had been swung open so many times to welcome employees, associates and customers to the business. A door that will soon have a sign that either says “for sale,” “closed” or “out of business.”

Are the measures he ordered wrong? Not completely. Are they too severe? Maybe not.

Why then are we anticipating doomsday? Because as happens almost with every decision these days, politics has reared its ugly head. A two-faced, hideous creature called government has opted to ignore the pleas of the people to provide the funding to keep government open and people functioning in an acceptable condition.

Most people still live in a world where if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. Even during tough times, there are limits to how much and how long people will receive unemployment, welfare and other government subsidies.

But the frustration of people over the failure of government officials to act quickly and decisively to enact fair compensation is escalated by knowing that elected officials continue to not only be paid their full salaries, but even collect per diems while not in session, while not reporting to their offices and, in some cases, spending months-long periods of time in vacation mode in sunshine states.

They can hide it as working remotely, but it is more accurately stated as working jokingly.

It is time the governor orders all elected officials at every level of the state back to work or to join the other residents of the commonwealth in the unemployment line.

We believe that might break down some of the walls between the two parties that dominate the state and country.

It is way past due for the career politicians to have to actually serve instead of being served. No, we shouldn’t be asking for equal or fair treatment for our businesses and our employees.

We need to demand it and now.

The Butler County Tourism Bureau and the Center for Community Resources have been working with the Butler County commissioners to try and assist the people employed in the hospitality industry to get through this newest slap in the face from the state. The governor and the elected officials of Pennsylvania should hang their heads in embarrassment that it is necessary for others to do their job.

Quit telling us how much you care and how hard you are working for us and do something. Figure out how to work together across party lines and get something done. That is why the people voted for you. They put their trust in you and, so far, you are failing them. Rise above your own expectations and reach that of the voters. And please wear your mask.

— RV