The developer may not have taken the full measure of Mr. Pines.

He went to the bar, and took up a place near the end where Mr. Pine was standing.

Mr. Pine came out of the kitchen and moved behind the bar again.

Mr. Pines said the city was reviewing a decision on whether to appeal.

Mr. Pines said he was "deep in conversation" with other cable systems.

Mr. Pine said the brothers each had personal assets up to $50,000 but debts that could exceed $100 million.

Mr. Pine said he had not raised any money for his campaign.

Mr. Pine was being relatively diplomatic; other critics were not.

But Mr. Pine said the company was willing to pay the price of legal penalties.

Mr. Pine said the company expected to reach annual sales of $500 million by 1995.