by Rachel Heitzenrater
rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
BRADFORD COUNTY — Bradford County District Attorney Chad Salsman stated he will not pursue charges on businesses that remain open during the three-week period Gov. Wolf has shut them down due to COVID mitigation efforts.
“No criminal cases will be filed against businesses who choose to remain open or people who do not comply with the governor’s mandates. The reason is that they have committed no crime,” Salsman stated. “Crimes are, by definition, violations of laws. The governor cannot create laws. Laws are created by the legislature, signed by the governor, and are subject to review by the courts. That process has not been followed.”
Gov. Wolf announced the new mitigation efforts last Thursday during an afternoon press conference while quarantining in his own home. He recently tested positive for COVID-19.
As of last Saturday, Dec. 12, the mitigation efforts took place throughout the commonwealth. The following are what he ordered:
- No indoor dining. Take out and delivery still allowed
- All indoor gatherings, including in your own home, are limited to ten people
- All outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people
- Indoor and outdoor sports are suspended. This means no practice or conditioning. Exceptions will be made for professional and collegiate athletics remain intact.
- Casinos and other entertainment venues are closed
- Gyms and fitness facilities are closed
- Retail operations can still operate at 50 percent capacity
- Barbershops and salons are limited to 50 percent capacity
- These new orders do not affect: Religious organizations or the practice of religion or daycare and child care.
All other prior orders and guidance not withdrawn remain in effect.
“We are at a really unusual time here, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Gov. Wolf.
The efforts will be in place until Jan. 4, 2021.
District Attorney Salsman realizes that it’s close to the holidays and local businesses need to provide for their families.
“In Bradford County, we will not incarcerate or fine people for the simple act of providing for themselves, their families, and their employees. The governor or his political cronies may seek retribution against me, but I will not allow my office to be used to carry out the whims of a business-crushing politician,” said Salsman.
However, Salsman did state that he cannot keep the state from removing for example, liquor licenses, to those businesses who remain open and “get caught.”
“I would caution business owners, however, that the state government has the ability to harass and punish citizens in ways that do not involve the criminal justice system. I cannot control that. People must keep that in mind when deciding how to proceed,” said Salsman.