David McNeill, former Moore County manager, is on the short list for appointment as Guilford County manager.

The list became even shorter this week, reduced to two candidates -- McNeill and John Bauer, former Pender County manager. A third candidate, Ed Hunseker, dropped out of the running when he accepted an offer to become the next administrator in Manatee County, Fla., according to the Greensboro News-Record.

McNeill, who served 16 years as Moore County manager, resigned in 2002 to become deputy Guilford County manager. He has remained in that position and more recently has acted as interim manager following the firing of Manager Willie Best last summer.

The Greensboro News-Record account reports some support for McNeill among the Guilford commissioners.

"I could be very, very, very comfortable with David as manager," Commissioner Paul Gibson told the paper. "I could support David without any problems."

The new manager will be responsible for administration of 2,700 employees and a $520 million budget.

COBLE -- The holiday season will bring Congressman Howard Coble back to Moore County next week.

The congressman's schedule shows that he will attend the Moore Chamber of Commerce Elected Officials Night at National Golf Club in Pinehurst on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Coble met with officials from the Philippines Monday and will meet with Taiwanese officials next Wednesday, both visits in his district congressional office in Greensboro.

Coble represents the 6th District, which includes Moore County. He is also scheduled to ride in a number of Christmas parades across the district. Parades will take him to High Point, Pleasant Garden, Denton and Jamestown. Coble attended an Eagle Scout ceremony at his own church, Alamance Presbyterian, in Greensboro Saturday and will attend a church birthday dinner there on Dec. 1.

PEASLEE -- Bill Peaslee, chief of staff of the North Carolina Republican Party, has resigned.

In a letter of resignation to Linda Daves, acting NCGOP chairwoman, Peaslee expressed optimism about the party of the future but said he needs to pursue other endeavors.

"Bill has faithfully served the Republican Party beginning as a college student and working in all levels of grassroots," Daves said. "On behalf of the North Carolina Republican Party, I thank Bill for his distinguished service and extend our best wishes for success in his future endeavors."

Peaslee, who has local connections, presided over the county convention here two years ago, when Moore County Republicans elected new officers.

His resignation follows that of state GOP chief Ferrell Blount, who is expected to seek elected office. The North Carolina GOP Executive Committee has called a meeting for Dec. 2 to consider his successor.

HOMELESS -- Nov. 20-27 is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution designating the week during a Monday night meeting.

Commissioner Virginia Saunders read the proclamation, which was accepted by Caroline Eddy, executive director of the Coalition for Human Care.

The Coalition is one of several local nonprofits actively involved in efforts to ease the lives of the homeless and poverty stricken. Others include Sandhills Interfaith Hospitality Network, Habitat for Humanity, Moore Housing Partnerships, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills.

The proclamation notes, in part, that hunger and homelessness remain "a serious problem for many individuals and families in Moore County." The theme this year is "Bringing America Home."

Florence Gilkeson can be reached at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.