The week in words

By the Times staff
Published September 2, 2007

"In Hernando County, the atmosphere is one of turmoil right now. By some degree, I wonder if I can solve some of the things that are there. I'm not even sure they can be solved by one person. I guess the truth of the matter is I'm not sure I have the skills to resolve all the issues."

County Administrator Gary Kuhl, who told county commissioners this week that he is looking for another job.

"Who wants to come here? How would you find somebody?"

County Commissioner Diane Rowden, on the task facing the county in finding a replacement for Kuhl.

"I don't feel responsible. ... The county has sort of made their own bed and now they're sleeping in it. It's up to the residents of the county to change the sheets."

Blaise Ingoglia, a leader of the critics of local government, on Kuhl's decision to seek another job.

"Obviously, my choice would be for him not to leave. But with what this guy has been put through, these groups, the radio and newspaper, I can't blame him."

Rowden, saying that Kuhl is being forced out by behind-the-scenes power brokers.

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

"Humbling. When you're that deep, you might as well be between the Earth and the moon."

Brett Hemphill, of Tampa's Karst Underwater Research team, who recently confirmed that Weeki Wachee Springs, at 403 feet, is the deepest spring in the United States.

"Bye, bye, I won't cry. His credibility was totally shot."

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, on the resignation of embattled U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

"Hopefully, this will bring this great saga to an end. Even Harry Potter had to come to an end."

County Commissioner Jeff Stabins, on a proposed referendum that would settle the question of whether the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District should be dissolved.

"I don't just see red flags, I see missiles. I see the big burst of fireworks here saying, 'Whoa.'"

Rowden, on possible conflicts of interest for Jake Varn, a noted local lawyer who is a candidate to become the Brooksville city attorney, in cases involving developers and government.

[Last modified September 1, 2007, 20:21:07]