Apparently my letter of Nov. 2 struck a defensive nerve in Pinehurst city attorney Mr. Newman.

As a supporter of StTop, and one of the "several" (limited to 60) participants in the state suit, and one of over 700 named in the federal suit, I feel that Newman -- trying to be judge and jury -- should stop his attempted coverup with false information.

The state case had a brief hearing and was dismissed by the lower court, but it still has a long, expensive way to go through the appeal process. Therefore, the case has not fully "gone to court."

The federal case was dismissed without prejudice as suggested by plaintiffs' attorney and will be appealed or filed in state court. According to The Pilot, the judge ruled the case could not be judged until Pinehurst completes the annexation. Newman should tell the people that Pinehurst's defense of both lawsuits has barely begun.

The annexations mentioned by Newman did not involve the taking of private property, as the streets were already public or had been offered for dedication. All three legislated annexations mentioned by Newman were negotiated without a legal fuss. The CCNC chose to keep private roads as part of their annexation.

Newman's "swap hats" theory is impossible. Pinehurst is not capable of supplying sewer and water even to its own residents, as it has no ownership in Moore County utilities. Pinewild has all services, including sewer/water, fire, garbage and security (its own and a sheriff).

I wish Newman would explain how Pinehurst can annex Pinewild properties and not annex the private roads.

I suggested the explosion of Pinehurst's population is destroying the village's aura. This is up to the people of Pinehurst, not their city attorney and their bureaucracy.

Richard H. Davis

Pinewild