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(Beaver, Pa.) Earlier today Governor Tom Wolf stated in a Press Conference that Counties that wish to not listen to his orders will suffer Consequences. The Gov said he will take away Federal COVID-19 funds and that they are risking peoples lives by not following the plan to phase in a return to life in Pennsylvania. The Gov. also said that businesses that make the choice to open while still in the red zone will suffer  by losing liquor licenses  or their license from the health department.

The Beaver County Commissioners have responded to Gov. Wolf’s Statements via a press release sent to Beaver County Radio. Below is a copy of the wording in the Press Release:

The Commissioners of Beaver County were disappointed in Governor Wolf’s remarks today and felt it necessary to issue this press release in response. Nothing the Governor stated makes us change the position we previously held in that it is illogical to keep Beaver County in the “red” phase while moving the entire bordering counties and regions into the “yellow” phase. We do not believe our residents will be corralled inside invisible county lines on the map.

 By now it is well documented one facility within Beaver County is the basis for the vast majority of our COVID-19 cases and deaths. It has also been well documented it is the Department of Health’s responsibility to monitor this facility. If the Governor and his administration are so interested in saving lives, only they can answer the question why they ignored multiple requests for help and statistical counts coming out of Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center by waiting over six weeks to only now send in the National Guard. 

We certainly hope the Governor was not serious when he talked about withholding federal stimulus money as that would only punish those who need that help the most. By putting Beaver County on an island being left in the red, the Governor is crushing the economy, businesses, and morale of this County. 

We once again stand behind our District Attorney in his decision to not prosecute any businesses that can operate in the “yellow” phase to do so on Friday. Our decision to stand behind our District Attorney is a bipartisan and nonpolitical decision based on the analysis of our data, and the best interest of the health, safety, emotional, and economic well-being of the Beaver County residents.