The Pilot, in an April 16 editorial, made a strong case, under the heading, "When Annexation is Fully Justified." Listed are several compelling reasons why neighborhoods might want to be annexed.

However, that is just the point of the movement to change North Carolina's annexation laws. The people in those neighborhoods should have a voice (a vote) about whether to be annexed.

The push to change the laws is not to stop annexation, but rather to stop involuntary annexation. It is about giving the property owners, not the elected officials of the neighboring municipality, the right to decide. How can that be unfair?

If the case for annexing local areas is that compelling, I imagine the property owners would agree with the mayor and the town board. However, if they don't agree, should the town be able to go ahead and annex them?

Put yourself in the shoes of a property owner who has had his or her neighbor decide for him, without permission or possibly without even listening. Annexation is fully justified when all parties have had a real voice in the annexation decision.

Keith Junk

Pinehurst