Update on the Rape of the Poconos

Series of arson fires are among region's pressing problems

Not surprisingly, my post yesterday – The Poconos: From Paradise to Sweatshops – rattled some cages.

Typical was a message that I received from Bob Uguccioni, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. Mr. Uguccioni wailed:

Why don.t [sic] you like us..???????????

Bob Uguccioni

This is my response:

Dear Mr. Uguccioni:

I think that my article speaks for itself. But if it does not, please try this . . .

Perhaps you work behind the scenes to help right many of the Poconos' problems, but your public face is one of a smug factotum who is part of the problem and not part of the solution.

To you the Poconos is a pristine destination where never is heard a discouraging word. To me the Poconos is a once beautiful place that has been ravaged by overbuilding that has been aided and abetted by public officials and community leaders like yourself who are far more interested in feathering your own nests than trying to deal with a host of vexsome problems -- and publically urging others to join you in that effort.

It is not a matter of liking or not liking you, Mr. Uguccioni. I have no feelings on that. It is a matter of your attitude.

Best, Shaun Mullen

To which Mr. Uguccioni then graciously replied:

You are right .. Perhaps we always take a positive spin on issues .. But we are very much involved in the issues you describe .. No one always fights there battles in the Press………You should know more about our goals plans etc etc……Bob Uguccioni

Photograph Courtesy of The Pocono Record