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U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Zionsville, took aim Thursday at Gov. Tom Wolf's restrictions to help stem the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Toomey, along with U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, were in Williamsport to speak to business officials and local leaders.
"I was very disappointed to see the governor's announcement," Toomey told those gathered at the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
Citing an alarming escalation in new coronavirus infections, Wolf on Wednesday ordered nightclubs and bars without dining to shut down and restaurants to further limit capacity to 25 percent. In addition, companies are being required to have employees telework to the extent possible.
Toomey criticized the governor's restrictions for its sweeping statewide approach rather than considering areas on a case-by-case basis.
For example, Potter County, where few people have tested positive for COVID-19, should not be under the same restrictions as places such as Allegheny County.
Restrictions were put in place initially to prevent hospitals from being over-burdened by COVID-19 patients, according to Toomey.
"It has not been like that," he said.
Keller added that the governor has made unilateral decisions with regard to COVID-19 without consulting county officials like he said he would. Rather, Wolf consults with state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and others instead of elected officials.
"That's not the way to do it," he said.
Toomey said, "We've got to figure out a way to get back to work. Personally, I think schools should reopen."
Lycoming County Commissioner Tony Mussare told Toomey that nothing will change unless businesses unite and march on Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
"We better start to organize," he said.
Commissioner Scott Metzger also expressed concerns about businesses feeling the impact of Wolf''s policies.
"What can we do to get this governor to listen to all of us?" he asked.
Toomey responded that he's tried without success to talk to Wolf about the problem.
He said before the pandemic hit the U.S., he couldn't imagine that $6 trillion in government dollars would be rolled out to help businesses and people impacted by COVID-19.
"That is a staggering amount of money," he said.
However, he noted that the Paycheck Protection Program was needed to address lost income for small businesses and employees suddenly without jobs.
It's important, he said, to make sure the right things are done to ensure an economic recovery.
Williamsport Regional Airport Director Richard Howell told Toomey funding relief through the CARES Act for the local airport is arriving slowly.
He said other airports are experiencing the same problem.
Toomey vowed to look into the issue.
Lance Thomas said his business, Clear View Asset Protection LLC, has felt the negative effects of the coronavirus.
The business specializes in customized remote site security and surveillance solutions with many of its clients dependent upon government funding to purchase its products. The problem, he said, is the funding is now not as readily available.
Frank Lundy, a local businessman, told Toomey too many people are refusing to wear masks during the pandemic.
"Our President doesn't wear a mask," Lundy said. "He makes a joke about it."
Toomey noted that on a recent occasion President Donald Trump did wear a mask.
"I think that's progress," he said. "He's a hard guy to change the mind of."
Toomey also spoke to the issue of defunding the police, calling the idea "ridiculous."
"It's taking away resources from people who protect us," he said.
He doesn't believe, he said, that police departments are full of racist officers and rogue elements.