The week in words

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 12, 2007

Editor's note: The following is a recap of the week's news events , in the words of the newsmakers.

"Nobody was saying they didn't want them to build (the shopping center). All we wanted was to make sure they didn't ruin a neighborhood in the process."

Ron Houle, president of the Spring Hill Home Owners Association, on questions he and others had for the developer of a shopping center proposed for Spring Hill Drive near the Suncoast Parkway.

"She sat right behind me in the freshman class. I didn't have a chance."

Clarence Rose, reflecting on his introduction to his future wife, Eloise, at a Bible college in Los Angeles. The couple just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

"And I will send the central office people out because they don't get out enough."

Wayne Alexander, new superintendent of the Hernando County school district, on one of his plans for the coming school year.

"She should have been here for this."

Tom Windeler, on his late wife, Debra, who was not on hand to celebrate the 10th birthdays of the couple's quadruplets. Debra Windeler died last year of hypertensive heart disease.

"We don't want it to be any indication that we're here to blast the county."

Morris Porton, of the Chamber of Commerce, saying the group supports in principle "Government Gone Wild," a presentation by local business people purporting to show government waste.

"The average teacher spends over $500 of his or her own money on classroom supplies. They need our help."

Dawn Badami, of the United Way, on the reason for the Stuff the Bus drive to gather donated supplies for the start of the school year.

"That's why we live in America."

County Administrator Gary Kuhl, noting that freedom of speech allows citizens to gripe about perceived waste in government spending.

[Last modified August 11, 2007, 20:45:20]