The Week in Words
By the Times staff
Published September 9, 2007
Editor's note: The following is a recap of the week's news events, in the words of the newsmakers.
"Everywhere I go, I run into people who recognize me from the televised meetings."
County Commissioner Jeff Stabins, on the reaction of viewers to the televised commission meetings. A change by Bright House Networks cable will mean customers will have to pay more to see the government meetings, likely lowering the viewership.
"I believe this is a political move to make the state Legislature look bad for trying to bring in competition. It's unfortunate that Bright House is taking advantage of the consumers."
State Rep. Rob Schenck of Spring Hill, a co-sponsor on a measure that lowered regulations on the cable television providers.
"How can you claim to support our troops when they are having their tours extended, they are getting no R & R and yet our elected leaders are absent, on vacation?"
Jim King of Land O'Lakes, a veteran who hopes to unseat U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite in the Republican primary next year.
"Probably in retrospect it's something I would not send home again, but I did. I was the one who approved it to go."
Sue Stoops, principal of Challenger K-8 School of Science and Math, on a letter prepared by parents calling for people to attend a School Board workshop to oppose changes to the school's status as a magnet school. Superintendent Wayne Alexander said sending the letter was inappropriate.
"Let's look at other schools and make them better and not tear apart what we've done."
School Board chairman Pat Fagan, opposing drastic changes to the district's magnet schools.
"We're looking at this as if it's a crystal ball and it's a little cloudy."
Dennis McGeehan, principal of Central High School, on student enrollment projections that could mean more attendance boundary adjustments.
"Lennar was brought in with much fanfare and hasn't done a whole lot other than building a lot of spec homes and dumping them on the market. It hurts the whole community.
Chris Glover of Palmwood Builders, on the impact of major home builder Lennar Corp., which has been selling new homes in Hernando County at below-market value.
"It had me scared. I thought, "Why am I getting a letter from the governor?' "
George Denilen, 75, of Brooksville, who has been involved in competitive archery since he was a child. Gov. Charlie Crist recently sent him a letter congratulating him for winning a gold medal at the Senior Olympics.