The week in words

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 18, 2007

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

"It's different and disturbing to see this right in the heart of Spring Hill."

Hernando Sheriff's Capt. M.H. Maurer, reacting to the raids this week on six homes in Spring Hill that netted nearly 700 mature marijuana plants and several suspects as part of a sophisticated drug operation.

"Some of this is just frustration with all levels of government, frustration with the economy, frustration with oil prices, the war in Iraq, taxes, insurance, the hurricanes ... for the average citizen, the Board of County Commissioners is the only local contact point with government ... it is the grass roots part of government and they come to the board and express their thoughts."

Gary Kuhl, former county administrator, on citizen "negativity" that influenced his decision to resign.

"I could do everything but land it, which is pretty important."

John Murray Smart, a World War II veteran, on the reason he did not succeed in becoming a pilot. He became a navigator-bombardier instead and survived 35 missions, the maximum the military allowed.

"I think it's disgraceful. Give these teachers a raise they can live with or you're going to lose a lot more of them (to other counties)."

Irene Fiore, a Hernando County resident, urging the School Board to increase the proposed pay raises for teachers next year. The district is offering a 5.5 percent raise, plus an increase to offset the rising costs of health insurance.

"This is a special park for special people. Your family is here and they love it whenever you come."

Chaplain Harold Marcou, addressing a Veterans Day crowd at the Florida National Cemetery, urging people to not just visit on holidays.

"When you first came here, I told you that you were not ready for prime time. I'm not ready to say you're a 10, but you're an eight or nine."

Planning Commissioner Robert Widmar, to representatives from a developer seeking to build a resort at Oak Hills Golf Club. The board approved the request, which goes to the County Commission for consideration.

"It will be well worth the waiting."

County Parks and Recreation director Pat Fagan, noting that the inconvenience of closing Bayport Park for several months will be offset by the planned improvements.

"This is a very serious matter to me, especially with the history of elections in Florida."

Nick Proscia, irked by the balloting system that Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative used when polling residents of a Spring Hill neighborhood on whether to erect power poles in their front yards. Residents say the ballot did not have a place to vote no.

"There is something almost un-American about counting a no vote as a yes vote."

County Commissioner Jeff Stabins, pressing WREC to change its polling rule that allows the utility to count unreturned ballots as yes votes.

[Last modified November 17, 2007, 20:04:30]