Dear Editor:

It always amazes me when an individual who composes a letter to be published in a newspaper has incorrect facts. Asking questions, checking sources, making telephone calls, are some of the simple ways to obtain "THE FACTS".Mr. A.J. Petrucci of Jim Thorpe obviously didn't involve himself in much fact finding prior to submitting a letter for publication in your newspaper. Allow me to enlighten your reading audience to "THE FACTS" that were omitted from Mr. Petrucci's article.I was appointed to the position of Warden at the Carbon County Correctional Facility in September 2010. It was a unanimous vote by the selection committee after an extensive review of my qualifications and job experience. I brought to my current position twenty plus years of experience as a Law Enforcement Officer as well as several years' experience as a Corrections Officer. Both of these positions I left in the capacity of a supervisor. While working in the aforementioned fields of employment, I obtained my Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Lehigh County Community College in 1992 and my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Moravian College in 2004. I have the leadership skills, the job knowledge, and meet the criteria of the position of Warden to effectively and efficiently run the daily operations of the Carbon County Correctional Facility.Mr. Petrucci believes that local politics waived the requirements at the "drop of a hat" so that I could be hired as the Warden. I met and exceeded the requirements set forth; I interviewed with the many other individuals seeking the position; after the extensive interview process, I was the successful candidate chosen. If anyone is seeking a possible "downside" to my appointment to the position of Warden, it may be the fact that I am not a resident of Carbon County. However, the Correctional Facility was in need of a "new" direction, in need of change; and the selection committee along with the County Commissioners was confident in their decision to give that task to an "outsider" for the betterment of the facility and County government.Finally, Mr. Petrucci makes reference that "he has nothing against the new Warden, that he remembers working with him". I've worked with many individuals throughout my career but I can't recall ever working with A.J. Petrucci. Perhaps Mr. Petrucci has me mistaken for someone else. Perhaps Mr. Petrucci's original correspondence to the newspaper was meant for someone else. Maybe, "THE FACTS" should have been checked.Warden J.G. GrossCarbon County Correctional Facility