City of Roanoke v. County of Roanoke

Thomas Joseph McDonald, a consulting civil engineer, who had worked as engineering consultant for counties in at least nine prior annexation proceedings in Virginia, was employed by Roanoke County in that capacity in this proceeding. He testified for the County and was a witness of major importance. His testimony occupies some one hundred fifty pages in the printed record. At the conclusion of his direct examination counsel for the County asked him if as an expert witness he had an opinion as to whether the annexation proposed by the City was necessary or expedient. His response is…