The week in words

By Times Staff
Published August 20, 2007

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

"The alternative is another incinerator, which has been determined to be spewing out mercury and many other chemicals, and if our air becomes unusable, there is no reasonable alternative. The proliferation into the air is not a mere possibility, but is a reality right now with the one incinerator."

Charles Waller, a prominent Dade City lawyer who supports a proposed private garbage landfill in East Pasco.

"Those comments are absolutely wrong."

Beth Leytham, spokeswoman for Covanta, the company that runs Pasco County's garbage incinerator in Shady Hills. She was reacting to Waller's statement.

"Everyone else is stepping in line to cut, cut, cut. And you're coming in with an increase."

County Commissioner Jack Mariano to Sheriff Bob White, just before the commission rejected the sheriff's budget request.

"I had hoped the commission would subordinate other things to public safety. I never expected ... to be at zero budget coming out of this meeting. That gives me great pause."

Sheriff Bob White.

"If they're looking for someone leaning a certain way, I do not plan on being a sixth commissioner."

Fred Reeves, a candidate for Pasco County attorney.

"It's so stupid, it doesn't make sense. Today I went to my chiropractor in Pasco. I don't want to have to pay to get there and back. I think it's ridiculous."

Helen Green, a New Tampa resident reacting to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan's idea to collect tolls from drivers who head south on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard out of Pasco.

"We don't call it a cutback. We just cannot accommodate all of the people."

Mike Carroll, Pasco transportation manager, after the county cut its paratransit program for disabled and poor residents.

[Last modified August 19, 2007, 22:03:03]