Recently, I witnessed our mayor, Steven Smith, tell the Pond folks, in an open public work session, that the people who didn’t sign up for the village’s offer could “go to hell.” He was visibly upset, but such an uncouth statement in a public meeting was uncalled for. People know when the mayor is riled. His whole head and face become a very striking crimson.
The mayor’s oath made me think that he was on the same level as the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, who used the foulest language I’ve ever heard from a politician in his effort to cover up his own demerits in his city’s Katrina disaster.
The latest mistake by the council is its attempt to acquire Pinewild. If the council pursues the involuntary annexation of Pinewild, it is simply wrong.
Mayor Smith’s column in the Sept. 2 Pilot basically tried to say how lucky Pinewild people are to become a part of Pinehurst. There was no mention of why the annexation should occur. There is absolutely no reason for the takeover of an independent entity which is doing very well without mother Pinehurst.
Annexations, according to North Carolina statutes, are for communities that want to be annexed and/or are in need of public safety and welfare, neither of which is on Pinewild’s agenda. The mayor apparently wants to annex this suburb because of the increased tax money at stake.
Like a magnet, the Village Council seems to attract issues that are controversial and sometimes trivial, which they cannot seem to handle properly. They cannot see the forest for the trees. They are hoodwinked by the practicality of the matter. In some cases they seem to be out of touch with their electorate.
So many of the Village Council’s decisions result in lawsuits. The pursuit of Pinewild will certainly bring a class-action suit if the council doesn’t wise up and cancel its efforts to take over our gated neighbors. I have heard that the village of Pinehurst is the most sued municipality in the state. Almost every council work session ends with a closed session to discuss legal matters.
Mayor Smith avows that the village is legally right in annexing Pinewild, but that does not guarantee the village won’t be sued.
While our village tries to point out some of the benefits from the Pinewild merger, very little has been said as to the reason(s) for doing same. Why now? Pinewild has been “eligible” for annexation for years. Some say the basic reason is that Pinewilders would add significantly to Pinehurst’s tax base. Elevating our tax base, at this point in time, seems to be more politically motivated than anything else.
Why doesn’t Pinehurst drop this frivolous effort and focus on annexing Jackson Hamlet, an adjacent community that really needs and wants our infrastructure and help?
Recently the council heard John Boesch, Pinewild spokesman, argue for rescission of the intent to annex. Mr. Boesch was eloquent in his presentation and concluded by giving the council a list of 750 Pinewild petitioners who want the annexation aborted.
This newspaper asserted that Boesch’s letter to House Speaker Pro Tem Richard Morgan, stating that he might not win Pinewild votes next time if he didn’t help, was bullying. And Morgan wouldn’t stand for any bullying. My personal opinion is that Morgan will lose his next fight for re-election and that the lack of Pinewild votes will be a significant factor.
Originally, when I first heard about the Pinewild annexation, it didn’t strike any nerves, and I couldn’t have cared less. I trusted the council’s judgment until a few facts were subsequently revealed, such as the absence of any logical rationale to unite.
And when I read some so-called advantages to Pinewild residents such as use of the Given Memorial Library and the Fair Barn and police protection, these benefits made no sense to me, as they really don’t offer any significant changes.
Furthermore, the 2003 Comprehensive Long-Range Village Plan has no mention of annexing Pinewild. It vaguely states that EJT annexation, in general, is something Pinehurst does not want.
Village Council, you should either take to heart the message that Mr. Boesch delivered to you or find a better reason for acquiring Pinewild. You owe it to the people of Pinehurst and the residents of Pinewild to justify your plans, which, so far, seem questionable.
Andy Thomas lives in Pinehurst. Contact him at
dahtmuth58@aol.com
