The Pinehurst Hot Mess: A RABIES outbreak ???
Raccoons? Foxes? Dogs? Cats? No, sorry. This time, it’s mostly the vacation-rental-obsessed, perpetually screaming and complaining disciples of ‘Parachute Pat’ Pizzella and worstmayorever John Strickland.
(At least Strickland has the sense to skip town after the mess he has helped orchestrate.)
In case you haven’t been following, Strickland and Pizzella have controlled a majority on the Village Council bent on demonizing and destroying the local vacation rental industry. We’re a tourist destination. There are clearly not enough hotel rooms to satisfy the demand of all the tourists seeking to visit our fair community. So, the home rental folks have been providing a much needed service for the local economy.
Instead of leading a thoughtful debate, Strickland and Pizzella sought out the assistance of a shadowy group of moneyed downtown interests, “The Friday Group”, to demonize the rental properties, their owners, and the tenants. People suddenly came out of the woodwork at council comment periods, and on the local paper’s op-ed page to blame the rental properties for everything from a spike in litter, crime, and disturbance-of-the-peace to damage to property values. Neither the police department nor any other impartial authority could produce evidence supporting the claims of the anti-rental clique.
Nevertheless, Strickland and Pizzella tied the council up for six months while trying to figure out a way to stomp the life out of this mostly law-abiding sector of the local economy. Real issues – like funding of the police department, the long-range plan, and traffic – were ignored while a “solution” was sought for this fabricated problem.
There was public hearing after public hearing. The same outrageous stories were regurgitated. (Rock and roll music! The smell of weed! Children in the pool!) You would have thought our pristine community had been transformed into a commune for the Manson family.
Strickland and Pizzella began to read the political tea leaves. They began to see how the attack on vacation rentals and the proposed ban ran into all kinds of property rights issue and would likely end in an unwinnable lawsuit for the Village of Pinehurst. So, the pair orchestrated a “compromise.” Rental properties currently in operation could stay as-is. New ones would have to jump through a whole bunch of new hoops.
The anti-rental mob was not pleased. They wanted blood, and were apparently not going to get it. They turned on Strickland – likely leading to his decision to retire from “public service.” The mob then began turning their fire on the rental property owners and their tenants.
Vigilantes reportedly began heckling tourists as they arrived at and left rental properties. The police department began receiving loony complaints. At least one caller complained about renters’ children playing in the pool next door to them. At least one complainer called the police about renters keeping internal lights on at their house after 8 PM.
The police should have been all over the harassers and their frivolous phone calls. Yet, the troublemakers were all disciples of our despicable mayor and his council allies. Who on the city police force wants to rock THAT boat? Who could expect ANY support from the mayor or council in situations like that?
Who has ever heard of a town – a renowned tourist destination – encouraging harassment of tourists? Well, now you have.
I wonder how much crazier the anti-rental mob will get when they learn the Pizzella-Strickland “compromise” is actually UNENFORCEABLE?
We have village elections coming up in November. The field of candidates looks like a grand opportunity for the anti-rental mob to tighten their grip on Pinehurst.
If you want a good look at how much worse things can get, check out council candidate Cara Mathis on Instagram:
* Note the “Mathis for Pinehurst” tag on the top left of the image.
So, WHAT is the problem with (a) cars in a driveway or (b) a shirtless man rummaging in his car in his driveway? Shirtless men in public are not violating any laws at all. Anyone who has ever visited – say – Lake Pinehurst, or any of the scores of swimming pools around town can attest to that. I’ve seen people working in their yards shirtless, and even jogging down the street shirtless. Apparently, they all made it through the day without a single police encounter. You’re pretty sheltered – or perhaps pathetic – if you think a shirtless male in public is a violation of the law. (It may violate a dress code in a private facility, or may just be unattractive. But not illegal.)
Actually, if you’re staking out someone’s driveway or other property with a camera, you’re walking a fine line in regard to stalking or harassment. You’ve entered creepy and obnoxious territory. (And you definitely don’t need additional political power. )
If you dare to question Mrs. Mathis’s tactics or rhetoric, you apparently get stuff like THIS in response:
Yeah, ol’ Cara is P-R-O-U-D of those Philly roots. (You know, where all that mass rioting and chaos is going down. *Do they have vacation rentals?* )
In conclusion, I think it’s pretty clear that Pizzella and Strickland have created some really nasty monsters here. Strickland is gone, and likely headed back to Chatauqua and Bill & Hillary, so he doesn’t care. If Pizzella truly cares about being a leader and making a positive contribution to our village, he needs to educate his flock about civility and decent behavior.
The rudeness to tourists is likely to harm the flow of visitors we so desperately depend on. The frivolous calls to the police are wasting officers’ time and likely jeopardizing people in more serious situations.
With all due respect, it is obvious that you do not have short term rentals in your neighborhood. Some are fine, others are not. And calling the police, for those in violation of curfews, etc. does no good.
You are entitled to your opinion but perhaps you should speak directly to those who are experiencing the difficulties connected with short term rentals.
I MAY have some nearby. I’m not sure. I frankly don’t dig into the goings-on at neighboring residences THAT much. I mind my own business, and hope people will mind theirs as well.
How would you expect the city to handle the stuff this woman in my post photographed? Parking cars in a driveway is not illegal. Men shirtless in public is not against the law. You see it all the time at area pools and at Lake Pinehurst. You see it with people jogging down the street and working in yards.
I wish people would devote more of this energy to showing off the good side of our community. For every nasty, elderly snowbird who spews their venom, there are scores of wonderful people.
Even at Forest Creek and CCNC you can hear activity at neighboring homes. If you want to hear nothing but crickets when you’re in your yard, move out to the middle of nowhere. If you live around people, there is a good chance you’ll hear them.
If you can hear all the details of conversations next door, or even ID the song or movie they have playing, that might be too loud. Be a grownup and go talk to them in a grownup manner. If you’re going to call the police, make sure (1) you’ve exhausted all legal avenues available to you and (2) that an actual crime has occurred.
Remember, calling the police on someone is sure to create or inflame tensions between you and your neighbor. It likely will also keep the cops from dealing with something much more serious elsewhere in town.
All of this anti-rental nonsense was ginned up for political gain by two low-life politicians and their pals. It’s spun out of control — turning neighbor against neighbor and demonizing visitors to our tourist destination community.
If you want to go the authoritarian route, put everyone in colorful armbands, organize a gated community with an iron-fisted HOA / POA and knock yourself out.
Wow ! That is quite a summary. So the Village needs fresh blood in power. Agreed. Look at the promises made by candidates during the last election who are running now. Lots of talk…but no performance, as the Council under Strickland and Pizella accomplished nothing of consequence. Worse, progress was obstructed with a littany of excuses and just plain defiance. By having a 3 vote majority, the two remaining Council members were virtually silenced. We must also guard against those seeking office simpley because they have lived here for a long time. Over the last 10 or so years, governance has lacked structure, interaction with citizens, and openness. It is time to take town management seriously and with leaders who are not just old folks looking for something to do. Finally there is the issue of interference from unelected “influencers” behind the scenes. If they have good ideas, run for Council and take a position.
Brant, before defaming my wife, get your facts straight rather than cherry picking images. Two of the cars – that you intentionally did not show – were in the street, which is against the village’s parking ordinance. Whether you agree with her or not, flirting with libel shows a level of disrespect for the people who are actually out there trying to solve problems and make this place better for everyone, rather than sitting behind a keyboard, making snide remarks and misrepresenting facts. Also, accusing someone of stalking who was merely driving down a public road is pretty hyperbolic.
Libel, huh? As you can see, she wrote a caption on a photo of multiple cars in a driveway asking where zoning enforcement was. (I saw no photos of cars in a street.) Parking cars in a driveway, as far as anyone can tell, is not a violation of any ordinance or law. Neither is being a shirtless male in public. Or in your driveway, for that matter.
You used the word “misrepresenting.” Please clarify and identify any and all “facts” that you believe are misrepresented.
By the way, I referenced the term “staking out” and not “stalking.” Also, if the time stamps on the photos are correct, the photographer spent at least twelve minutes (9:08 and 9:20) dealing with that particular driveway.
Brant, my wife posted a VIDEO showing 8 cars in a 4-car driveway and in the street/right-of-way. If you had spent one MINUTE looking for the actual source of this misinformation instead of grabbing a screenshot someone else posted of a screenshot someone else posted, you would have seen that. Those neighbors were very much justified in their frustration.
You just made it pretty easy for us to prove actual malice because you clearly didn’t even try to look for the video that is still live on her Instagram before you published. Such reckless disregard for the truth is embarrassing. If I were you, I would at least update that part of the blog and note the correction.
I actually found the screenshots on her website. I did not see a link to what you are describing. You’re talking about stuff you say I left out, but are not addressing what is posted. What about the photos containing the commentary?
You’re welcome to post a link in a comment if you have something that adds constructively to this story. I’m not sure if you noticed the in-post link I provided to her campaign website so readers could go look at her stuff in its entirety — if they wanted to do so or desired more context.
You’re also welcome to explain specifically HOW the law was violated and what the village should have done. What did the village tell you and any other complainers?
Also, does she truly believe shirtless men in public is a problem that requires government intervention?
So, then you intentionally left out the images of the cars parked on the street that are also on that same post. You just keep digging a bigger and bigger hole for yourself, Brant. I’m just going to let you keep responding.
As I hope you know, you can’t park on residential streets or in the right-of-way in Pinehurst overnight. Neighbors said they had been there all night. What kind of Republican doesn’t support the rule of law? I think you would get pretty pissed if your neighbor parked his/her car in front of your driveway every weekend. As other commenters have pointed out, you clearly don’t live around a problematic STR and have no ability to understand other people’s problems.
You’re putting words in my mouth. The photos I included in the post had the words of outrage written on them. Websites can change minute by minute. That’s why links to the source are often included. You’re not identifying anything that anyone in authority has identified as a violation of the law. You’re also dodging the questions raised in the post. If you and your wife ever want to seriously talk issues, you’re welcome to do so here. But I’m not getting into nanny-nanny-boo with you.
Funny that NOW you’re offering to engage in conversation, when you didn’t extend my wife that decency before plastering her name across the internet for something downright erroneous.
Your willingness to distort and mislead for clicks is pathetic, but par for the course. If you want answers and context, my wife laid it out in totality on her website. But I’m not wasting another second on this trash site.
1. Regardless of whatever *else* Mrs. Mathis posted, she *DID* post a picture of a man in a PRIVATE driveway who happened to be shirtless with the caption “this is not *OUR* Pinehurst. The time stamps on the photos she posted do indicate that a fair amount of time was spent outside this one private residence.
2. The shirtless post caused a massive uproar and immediate backlash from people on both sides of the political aisle (when I can agree with Mr. Brandt, that could very well be a sign of the apocalypse).
3. Mrs. Mathis refused to answer legitimate questions about the post from both Pinehurst residents and members of the media.
4. Now Mr. Mathis is “defending” his wife in this comment section, even though she has repeatedly declined to address the issue herself. It may be fair to wonder if her husband intends to fight her battles for her on the council if she is elected.
The Village of Pinehurst has three individuals running for Mayor. One has had a whirlwind of controversay and confrontation/conflict for quite some time. Another was on the John Strickland/Friday Group majority that accomplished nothing of consequence for 3 years, and offered a litany of excuses for non-performance. The final candidate is a surgeon, who has operated in a leadership position within an organization and structure for decades.
There are “factions” within the town of unelected “influencers” seekiing to drive THEIR agendas. Who of these three candidates will put PINEHURST FIRST and do the hard work necessary…and not be “managed” be some coffee club?
Old Tom-
If you are talking about me, Kevin Drum, the only controversy I had was about confronting the Friday Group, and they put a hit on me with an October surprise with the help of 3 council members. I exposed the massive Lack of Transparency that has led to dysfunction and mistrust of this council and 20 essential staff members to quit. Without Transparency in government, especially in municipal government, the citizens of Pinehurst have nothing. Government should be done in the open, and a transparent process should be used by listening to the public, staff, committees, and fellow council members to create consensus. Not a three-member oligarchy. I have lived here for 52 years – I care about this patch of dirt called Pinehurst. I served six years on committees and four years on the council with honor and integrity. I have four years to give Pinehurst to clean up this mess, and I will do it with “Service Above Self.” The public needed an attorney to talk to the council for the past two years, but with me, they will just have to make an appointment because I will have public hours in my office in Market Square, Love of Pinehurst, and a calling to serve at this critical time is what drives me, not just to be Mayor as some. Also, my competitors have two years left and only served 19 months on the council – I have five times the experience. If elected, they will abandon their seat, which means four council members will put one of their cronies on the council – not the public. Where I come from, that’s not democracy. Voting for Kevin Drum in November is the only way to have an accountable elected council. Leadership is needed, and leadership can’t happen without trust; trust can’t happen without a dramatic shift back to Transparency. I am a leader in Transparency in North Carolina with my formation of NC Citizens for Transparent Government. You will trust your village again. You might not always agree, but you will trust your town again, and the staff exodus will end because I will support the staff, not belittle them with orders from the Friday Group. `Contact me with questions at KDrum@DrumForMayor.org, and don’t believe everything you hear.
I’d like to address the comment about “accomplished nothing of consequence.” You’ve hit a nerve. Council adopted our Comprehensive Plan in October 2019. I’ve been told it cost the Village $200,000. I can’t say it loudly enough . . . the Comprehensive Plan tells us what the citizens want!! It contains seven incredible Guiding Principles. It contains Implementation Strategies. The Friday Group fought its implementation.
Look at the Village’s Organizational Chart. At the very top is Pinehurst Citizens. It’s the largest block on the page. The citizens have told us recently their desires, in the update to the Park & Rec Master Plan, in the Small Area Plans, in the Master Plan for West Pinehurst Park. Our citizens are AMAZING! It’s time to be responsive to all of them.
Ms Lydia. How many Village Citizens actually contributed to the survey? Were you not told what the cost of the “Comprehensive Plan” would be prior to spending the town funds? Why is there an unidentified, unelected, unaccountable ‘Friday Group’ influencing the ELECTED Mayor and Council WEEKLY? Does the ‘Friday Group’ also provide ‘advice’ to the Villiage Administrator? Why are Council meetings held in the afternoons making it difficult for the town’s working people to attend? What do YOU consider to be the key issues at this time that deserve attention? Good Luck with the Election !
Pinehurst never listens to the younger crowd with kids and schedules meetings so we can’t come. We will never use this new library they keep saying they are building and spend a ton of money on. The library we have is empty a lot when I drive by. More than one family told them not to spend money on fake grass (football was canceled this summer for the kids because the fake grass was to hot at Pinecrest ) Aaron rogers just got hurt with fake grass as the problem. There is a ton of are money in savings do they give us are money back in tax savings ,no they keep to use in some other solution to a non problem. The town should take care of roads , trash ,police fire its not a home owners association Thank you