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OPINION

Wasted energy

Letter
Comments (10)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

(Updated 4:05 am)

After reading the article concerning Dr. Matthieu’s obsession with his neighbor’s lives (Jan. 31), I wondered why the good doctor had nothing better to do. Not only was he intrusive, but who has that kind of time to spend watching someone’s every move?
On Page 2 of the same edition, there’s a photo and caption of a young boy in Haiti drinking a jug of water in front of burning refuse. His home is a piece of plastic. May I suggest Dr. Matthieu spend some of his obviously uninspired life helping people who have real problems? If his biggest worry is whom someone is calling on his personal cell phone, his life is truly sad.
Make a change in someone’s life for the good, not to drive them out of their home. You might just feel a lot better yourself.
Deborah Printup
Jamestown

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Interested

February 9, 2010 - 7:59 am EST

I might understand Dr. Matthieu's objections if his neighbors' business resulted in increased traffic in the neighborhood, affecting his quality of life. The article leads one to believe that this is not the case. As such, I would have to agree with Ms. Printup and suggest that the doctor find some way to fill up his empty days such as volunteering in the local schools, soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity - he will surely find people with serious problems that might help distract him from his little feud.

Sawdust

February 9, 2010 - 8:01 am EST

As Barney Fife would say, "He's a nut".

saveournbrhood

February 9, 2010 - 7:33 pm EST

There has been no increased traffic in the neighborhood as a result of the Millers moving here. They built a beautiful home, and are good neighbors. At the first neighborhood gathering we had after they moved here, Mr. Miller introduced himself and his family. He offered his help to anyone in the neighborhood. Let me be clear, I didn't say he tried to get us to do business with him--it was a genuine offer of help. Which he has followed through with, on more than one occasion. Without charge. Who wouldn't want a neighbor like that?
Basically, Mr. Matthieu wanted to buy that lot. The previous owners sold it to the Millers instead. That's what it all boils down to.

saveournbrhood

February 9, 2010 - 9:43 pm EST

I would also like to say that I have not seen any employees' cars parked in the Millers' driveway where they have met to carpool to job sites. The article quoted Don Matthieu as saying in court that was his main complaint. I have not seen anything but the Millers' vehicles parked in their driveway.
Also, he was suing another neighbor for putting a building in their back yard. But this was approved and the building permit was issued by Rockingham County. He let that drop to go after the Millers. We wonder, what's next? Who's next?
This is such a beautiful neighborhood. Everyone loves living here, except for this ugliness. It's a shame, the way it has made us all feel. Especially the Millers. They don't deserve the harassment they have gotten.

vlog

February 9, 2010 - 8:06 am EST

I have to say I completely agree with the comment above by Debrorah. Not only is he completely wasting his own time, but costing an innocent family their valuable time. I'm left to wonder what is wrong with our system that he has even been permitted to pursue things this far. I surely think we have way more important cases worthy of a judge's time. Why are the court's still allowing this man to run this circus? I'll tell you why....money, power, and lack of control. He is dictating the Miller's, and the system. He should be forced to move from his home, away from the Miller's. Why should the Miller's and Dr. Matthieu's neighbors put up with this. This has gone too far..... I think Dr. Stalker is a disturbed man who needs to get a life...lets start by hiring movers Doc. You are not worthy of any PHD if this is how you use your time.

njpk

February 9, 2010 - 8:45 pm EST

The article stated that Dr. Matthieu told the court he "recalled running to the scene to photograph one of the Millers' employees picking up the family's cat before the children could see it dead in the street." He referred to this as a "corporate transaction".
He's running...to photograph...a dead cat...being picked up out of the road. And testified in court that he did so. That is indeed disturbing.

hugh

February 9, 2010 - 8:32 am EST

Deborah, Thanks for the letter. Dr. Matthieu’s name needs to remain in the press for as long as possible.

A turn-on-the-light and the roaches scatter kind of thing.

mssuzq

February 9, 2010 - 8:50 pm EST

Great comment, Hugh. I agree with you 100%.

Dogwood

February 9, 2010 - 11:07 am EST

State Senator, District 26, Phil Berger Sr. has filed as an incumbent for re-relection. Phil Jr. is the Rockingham County D.A. Berger Sr. was employed by Dr. Matthieu in the first suit that was thrown out of court. Eric Biesecker is the new lawyer harrassing the Miller family. The Bethany community have strong memories and value family and the Golden Rule. If I lived in Whispering Pines I would simply change the covenants, conditions and restrictions to include home office allowances. 99% of homeowners working together can ask Phil Sr. to help if he wants their vote. Home offices are allowed as tax deductions and there is no reason any private home should be denied. This was a Republican idea for the tax code.

saveournbrhood

February 9, 2010 - 8:05 pm EST

We had a neighborhood meeting about changing the covenants. One of the neighbors asked a real estate attorney. He said we had to have 100% agreement to get it done. The covenants aren't even the same for everyone. Some lots are allowed to have up to 2 cows each, these are the lots that were among the first to be built on. The covenants were changed for houses that were built later. So the newer houses have covenants against farm animals. The Millers don't have any cows. They don't have "commercial activity" at their house either.