Butler County, Pennsylvania, is inescapably linked to political violence. It is the location where the first assassination attempt on President Donald Trump occurred during a political rally on July 13, 2024. It is where volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed guarding his family from the assassin’s bullets. Slippery Rock Borough Mayor JD Longo spoke at the infamous rally and witnessed the events firsthand. He shielded his pregnant wife as the bullets were flying; he helped carry a person out from the venue.
(Courtesy: JD Longo)
Unfortunately, that wasn’t Longo’s only brush with dangerous political threats since he’s been in office. He’s been a victim of multiple death threats and harassment incidents and has had to get law enforcement involved on at least one occasion. Yet, despite these dangers, he persists, working to raise his family, help his community, and fight for the people in Slippery Rock Borough to have the opportunity to live the American dream.
He is up for reelection on November 4 with an undeterred resolve and unrelenting drive. And despite these perilous times for Republican politicians, Longo will not be intimidated.
“Yes, unfortunately, my family and I have endured death threats and harassment over the years,” Longo told me. “One recent incident involved a man who used fake media accounts to inundate me and my family with ominous and threatening messages, including publicizing my home address, where I live with my wife and newborn daughter, and expressing desires for harm to come to us.”
“Another occurrence came this year when a local resident posted ‘86 both of them’ [on a social media post] under a photo of me and President Trump,” Longo said. The same person later asked, “if we checked for assault weapons ahead of our Charlie Kirk memorial.”
But, as the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” The boldest and bravest warriors rise in the face of danger, when needed the most. Longo, a former U.S. Marine, is no different, embodying the USMC’s motto of Semper Fidelis, which means “always faithful.”
“Given the attempts on President Trump’s life, the murder of Charlie Kirk, and attacks on other conservatives, it’s taken a toll, no doubt,” Longo explained to me. “They’ve sabotaged precious time with our newborn daughter, destroyed our sense of peace, and kept our safety constantly in question.”
“My wife and I have had to be vigilant, and it’s extended to friends and family who’ve been harassed too,” he said. “Attempts to deprive us of our livelihoods add to the stress. But it’s strengthened my resolve. I won’t back down from fighting for Slippery Rock and our values.”
But in addition to the bravery, Longo also delivers results. He means it when he says he is working for the people of Slippery Rock Borough.
“My greatest accomplishment, to date, has been building a family with my wife, but transforming Slippery Rock into a thriving, self-loving community that’s safe and economically vibrant is a close second,” Longo said.
Under his leadership, Slippery Rock Borough has reduced its business fees for “new and existing businesses” at a 25% reduction rate during his entire tenure in office, The Butler Eagle reported. The reduction applied “to any fees related to simple subdivisions, land development, conditional use applications, zoning permits, variances and special exceptions, liquor license transfers, new sign permits, sign revisions, and more.” It has helped boost the area’s economic productivity. It was one of the accomplishments he mentioned during our conversation.
“Specifically, I’ve refused to approve any property tax hikes for eight years, reduced business fees by 25%, rewritten codes and zoning to make them more business and property owner friendly, expanded our police department for better coverage in coordination with university police, and fostered an environment that led to over 40 new businesses opening,” Longo said.
“My team and I have written the book on how small towns like ours can revitalize a region through smart growth and small government without burdensome taxes and overregulation,” he added. “We’ve handled major events flawlessly, invested in infrastructure, and built strong ties with the university as a two-time alum myself.”
Pennsylvanians have noticed Longo’s efforts. He was nominated three times for Pennsylvania’s mayor of the year.
For his next term, Longo aims to build on the economic growth he helped create in Slippery Rock. Specifically, he mentioned affordable housing and job creation. It’s a bold vision at a time when valiant leadership is needed.
“For my next term, I want to build on this vision: more affordable housing options, job creation at all levels, continued economic development to woo families, tax abatements where possible, and keeping public safety and infrastructure at the forefront,” Longo said. “We’ll keep collaborating with county, state, and federal partners to bring resources here, all while ensuring government gets out of the way of the people.”
TRUMP MAKES ELECTION EVE PUSH FOR GOP IN NEW JERSEY AND VIRGINIA
It’s a plan that sounds Reagan-esque in many ways. Who knew that effective, efficient, and non-bureaucratic government could be so successful? With tomorrow’s election, Slippery Rock voters would be wise to continue the growth and progress under Longo’s leadership. Public safety, economic development, innovation, and government synergy without the bureaucracy. It’s every Pennsylvanian’s dream.
“The main issue in this year’s election boils down to continuing the progress we’ve made in keeping Slippery Rock safe, affordable, and prosperous while fending off any attempts to undo that.”
It is a dangerous time to be a Republican, but that won’t stop Longo. He will continue to protect his family and the Slippery Rock community.