“No immediate benefits to the community” was the reasoning for the Connoquenessing Township supervisors declining the offered gift of a marker commemorating the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler County. And that was followed by the Butler Farm Show president declining to allow it to be placed on the farm show grounds. No other reasons were released — political or otherwise.

What happened that day was a travesty and, unfortunately, will be a part of history.

But the shame is not on Butler County. It’s on the perpetrator who carried out his deadly actions. In fact, the heroic actions of first responders and attendees, and the entire community coming together to mourn and stand with the family of Corey Comperatore represent the values for which Butler County should be remembered.

Therefore, it only seems fair that Corey's family, along with the others injured and affected by it, and the community as a whole, also should have a voice in the idea of a permanent recognition.

It is with hope that there is room for reconsideration.

Shirley Iman, Franklin Township