The latest Village Newsletter sent out by Pinehurst states “Today Pinewild residents travel on village streets and sidewalks, bank, shop, go to the post offices and recreate in Pinehurst.” They then complain that we do not pay city taxes to support their roads and sidewalks.

I think that we in Pinewild have wronged them. Let us stay out of Pinehurst to save on the wear and tear of their streets. Maybe the residents of Southern Pines, West End, Seven Lakes and Forest Creek will also help them out. I expect the toll gates will soon go up to get some money from them too. Of course, Forest Creek is a future hostile annexation target.

It comes down to the fact that what the village board wants is our tax money. They do not plan to earn it by providing us with anything we do not have now. I challenge the board to list what they will provide us that we do not already have, and are paying for. If they cannot do that, explain what economic burden we are placing on them that is not offset by the economic benefits we provide their merchants.

If they cannot do either, they should drop their annexation plans or wear eye patches like honest pirates.

Joe Owen

Pinewild