Tongue-in-cheek newsletter could turn off tourists

A cheeky Belmar newsletter discussing "Guidos," "Staten Island girls" and "blondes" is missing its mark with some tourists in the beach resort town. Mayor Ken Pringle says the July 4th edition of the

News 12 Staff

Jul 16, 2008, 11:26 PM

Updated 5,754 days ago

Share:

Tongue-in-cheek newsletter could turn off tourists
A cheeky Belmar newsletter discussing "Guidos," "Staten Island girls" and "blondes" is missing its mark with some tourists in the beach resort town.
Mayor Ken Pringle says the July 4th edition of the town's newsletter was supposed to serve two purposes. One, the tongue-in-cheek newsletter was supposed to be entertaining. Two, he says it's a sarcastic way of pointing out of the perception of typical bad behavior from renters on the part of the permanent population.
"This is designed to try to be humorous," says Pringle.
Many out-of-town beachgoers have less of a sense of humor, however, and find the newsletter insulting. One questionable passage hits on Italian stereotypes, describing "Guidos" as rare birds in Armani Exchange T-Shirts that are "as welcome as ? Canada geese."
Some Belmar residents worry the attitudes expressed in the newsletter could kill tourism.
"I don't think we should be driving people away when our economy relies on tourism," says Kelly McConnell.
Pringle argues that he's only trying to drive home a message, and it's been working. The mayor has, however, offered an apology to anyone offended by the newsletter and says his writing days are probably through.
For more on the newsletter, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.
Belmar Summer Rental News


More from News 12
Marlboro Township Public Schools close following reports of bomb threats; Trenton BOE Central Office reopens

Marlboro Township Public Schools close following reports of bomb threats; Trenton BOE Central Office reopens

1:46
Wet, gloomy weather today in New Jersey; light rain showers continue into Friday

Wet, gloomy weather today in New Jersey; light rain showers continue into Friday

2:05
Bear-resistant trash cans being provided for 6 New Jersey towns

Bear-resistant trash cans being provided for 6 New Jersey towns

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

0:18
Dover police warn residents of men in face coverings knocking on doors

Dover police warn residents of men in face coverings knocking on doors

0:26
‘Stand Your Ground’ bill introduced in New Jersey

‘Stand Your Ground’ bill introduced in New Jersey

0:30
Stepson of former ‘Real Housewives’ star Siggy Flicker arrested in connection on Jan. 6 charges

Stepson of former ‘Real Housewives’ star Siggy Flicker arrested in connection on Jan. 6 charges

0:23
Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

1:06
Capturing the moment at Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick

Capturing the moment at Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

2:31
MTA CEO says New Jersey will get cut of congestion pricing money; Gottheimer continues vow to stop congestion pricing

MTA CEO says New Jersey will get cut of congestion pricing money; Gottheimer continues vow to stop congestion pricing

Fire destroys school bus along Garden State Parkway in Cape May County

Fire destroys school bus along Garden State Parkway in Cape May County

2:51
Parent accuses Marlboro teacher of sexually assaulting, molesting her 13-year-old daughter

Parent accuses Marlboro teacher of sexually assaulting, molesting her 13-year-old daughter

0:19
Prosecutor: Sayreville father accused of killing son, setting car on fire, dies from his injuries

Prosecutor: Sayreville father accused of killing son, setting car on fire, dies from his injuries

Appeals court leaves temporary hold on New Jersey's county line primary ballot design in place

Appeals court leaves temporary hold on New Jersey's county line primary ballot design in place

0:55
Jersey Proud: All-girls robotics team competing in robotics competition in Houston

Jersey Proud: All-girls robotics team competing in robotics competition in Houston

1:31
American Red Cross assisting 14 Paterson families impacted by house fires

American Red Cross assisting 14 Paterson families impacted by house fires

2:24
Seaside Heights residents reject plan to merge with Toms River Regional School District

Seaside Heights residents reject plan to merge with Toms River Regional School District

1:52
Police: Two businesses in Toms River impacted by smash-and-grab burglaries

Police: Two businesses in Toms River impacted by smash-and-grab burglaries

2:36
Bayonne officials consider ordinance to ban rental of single rooms within apartments

Bayonne officials consider ordinance to ban rental of single rooms within apartments