To The Editor:

After reading Mr. Richichi's letter "Wake up, Waitsfield -- your town is dying on the vine," I was left feeling embarrassed for him! I am not a "born" Vermonter, but this Valley is my home (and has been for seven years) and this is where my daughter will be raised. My husband owns a small, seasonal business, works for another small local business and I have several friends who own businesses in this Valley.

The letter Mr. Richichi wrote was not constructive in the least; it was an attack on this Valley! I think that we all know how tough the economy is right now and all businesses small and large are struggling, but to blame his lack of business on the attitudes of others is ridiculous! I know that he has only been here for three years, but that should be long enough to have his facts straight! Not looking like we are ready for changing seasons because we have not hung banners and tacky decorations throughout our town? Has he failed to notice the fall displays that happen around local businesses each year? The lights and sleighs full of presents and the decorated tree in the Village Square? The decorations that take real dedication and creativity and man hours!

His letter was rude, hostile and full of negativity and yet he blames the other businesses for acting this way toward tourists. Does he realize that he states over and over that "Waitsfield" is the town that is to blame and the town that is losing business, yet Alta was in Warren? The other businesses that he mentioned were a part of this Valley for years. I highly doubt that it was the "grunts and snarls" of Waitsfield that caused these businesses to close their doors. Once again it is a tough economy! 

I end this letter wondering if Mr. Richichi thinks that by bashing other businesses and our community that they in turn will refer customers his way?

Andrea Thompson Petrasch
South Duxbury

Comments (2)

	1. Oct-26-2009 10:53
	Last phrase says a lot Hello Andrea,    Your last phrase in your post says a lot about this area:    "I end this letter wondering if Mr. Richichi thinks that by bashing other businesses and our community that they in turn will refer customers his way?"    Yes it was a bit of a bash, but it was frustration mostly. Your last phrase makes it sound like if we "all just be nice and treat each other well, forget honesty, then all will be fine". I know of many here who are positive, myself included, supportive financially of local businesses and still no business comes their way. Yes there is some truth in what you are saying, but there is SO much more to it than that.   We all need to really look at who we support in our businesses, not just the ones who have the best reputation for being nice... or have all the awards they can afford to go after. IP: 65.19.76.53 Report

James Foreman

	2. Oct-05-2009 08:52
	Someone has blinders on! Dear Andrea, how long have you lived in the Valley? Maybe you don't get out much Larry hit the nail right on its mark. After spending 25 years in Waitsfield, I know first hand how this town operates and the problems it causes for the people trying to make a living there. Andrea, wake up and smell the roses! This is not a user friendly town, and the many negative comments attest to this. IP: 65.19.76.53 Report

Dave Corey

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