In his July 22 column “25 mph Limit for Village? You’ve Got to Be Crazy!” (July 22), Andy Thomas quoted Don Imus, a wonderfully appropriate person for Andy’s line of thinking, writng, “Is he nuts?”

Somebody is, but it is not Pinehurst Police Chief Earl Phipps. Phipps has long experience and superior credentials as a police officer and is right on the button regarding speed limits in Pinehurst.

Since Andy apparently has a heavy foot and has had an encounter or two, he is in no position to try to manage traffic control in Pinehurst, much less ask, “Is he nuts?”

For the record, note that all of Village Acres is 25 mph, all of No. 6 is 25 mph, all of the Historic District is 25 (and also Lake Hills Drive). The state roadways are controlled by the state. So, what do we have left: the “Gran Prix” streets of St. Andrews Drive, Lake Forest Drive and Diamondhead Drive.

I charge Andy to put his car in cruise control and, at his own risk, maneuver his sedan over the section of St. Andrews Drive from Lost Tree Road to the small traffic circle at the end. But keep one foot on the brake and watch for golfers, walkers and little children. This section twists and turns, goes up and down hills, and passes over three golf course crossings, all of which seem to be perched on a curve and a hill. Thirty-five mile per hour is much too fast.

And Andy, cool off and slow down. Don’t exceed the limit so that every time you see a police cruiser, your blood pressure goes up.

Bill Bancroft

Pinehurst