While I do not agree with many of The Pilot's editorial positions, I most heartily do concur with the April 27 endorsement of Lane Toomey for House District 52 in the Republican primary election scheduled for May 6. He is one of three Republican candidates for that office.

Our current representative, owner of a hair salon, has yet to display a respectable vestige of any legislative ability or leadership. He failed to respond when our county commissioners sought his legislative support. The silence of his response was deafening.

Another candidate is a well-respected mortician who over the years has provided compassionate service to our community and now claims he has the time to serve in the House. He is sadly lacking in any previously demonstrated administrative or financial skills necessary for the position.

In contrast, Lane Toomey is a North Carolina native and a civil engineering distinguished graduate from the Virginia Military Institute, now retired after 26 years of outstanding military service during which he obtained a master of science degree in civil engineering and became a licensed N.C. Engineer (a skill sadly lacking in the state House).

During his military career, Toomey's assignments included many requiring administrative, personnel and financial skills dealing with millions of taxpayer dollars and involving people from other cultures. Currently he is employed by General Dynamics as a civilian senior military plans analyst.

I fully agree with The Pilot's endorsement, as there is no question in my mind that Lane Toomey is the only qualified candidate for the position as Moore County's House of Representative.

Manila G. "Bud" Shaver

West End