The letter from Jerry Ritter to The Pilot on Dec. 25 on the Pinewild annexation contained one correct statement, i.e. the issue is “a rather simple one.” Only an intellectually challenged person or the sheriff of Nottingham would view this annexation as anything other than a land grab to secure and extort more than $600 thousand a year in taxes while offering zilch to the taxed.

It is ludicrous to suggest, as Mr. Ritter has, that using one’s assigned postal address to answer the question “where do you live?” or using public roads and sidewalks to conduct business and spend money in the town’s shops, restaurants and service establishments represent a fair exchange for a thirty-five percent increase in real estate tax.

Get real!

Michael J. Keogh

Pinehurst