It would seem from unofficial results that the Pocono Township First Class Initiative has overwhelmingly passed with 77% of voters supporting the change to how we are governed.  Congratulations to all that worked on getting the first class initiative passed – kudos for your hard work and great results.  I’m also pleased that the people of Pocono Township were intelligent enough to vote for what is best for our community as well as send a message to the Concerned Citizens of Pocono Township that we aren’t as dumb as they think.  It is no longer the time of the good old boy network and it is time we actually have citizens step up with the skills, experience and integrity needed to help manage and grow our community as it demands in the coming years.

All that being said, I’ll take a chance of being seen as a poor winner but I would suggest that we not underestimate the drive and willingness of the Concerned Citizens of Pocono Township to do whatever possible to undermine progress since returning to anything resembling the status quo will protect and ensure their personal gains no matter the cost to the township.  Don’t be fooled as many of these people have been working behind the scenes for years to push their agenda. our elected officials essentially only pawns in the process.   We all have a view into who many of the “Vote No” business people are and anyone who has attended the information meetings have heard the slanted and  misrepresented views and information they were willing to spew and stand behind in order to further their gains.

So what can we do?  Within our family, we have made it a point to speak loudly thru our wallets when we encounter businesses or people who work directly against that we believe – especially those who make it clear their concerns are only for personal gain and profit and care little for the needs or wants of others.  We will do the same to the extent we can locally and make sure that we do not support any of these people or their businesses.  If that sounds harsh I would ask you to think about who they have been concerned with over this needed change for Pocono Township and where they put their priorities.  I don’t believe they will just lick their wounds and skulk off into some corner.  No, they will work to find ways to undermine the changes and will look for alternative means to influence and turn decisions in their direction.  There needs to be ongoing vigilance of the upcoming changes as they happen.  I have no doubt that the people who have been most influential in this Initiative will remain fully engaged and attentive.  We, as the rest of Pocono Township, need to do the same to support them and to make it clear to those looking to step backward that it isn’t going to happen.

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.  It’s time we know who is behind that curtain.