The week in words

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

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

"That could be used against him in court, especially during the sentencing phase."

Larry Coggins, FHP spokesman about the poor driving history of David A. Belniak, left, who was charged in a wreck that killed two people on Christmas Day. Belniak was driving a Nissan pickup when he ran a red light and hit the back of a stopped Chevrolet, according to the FHP.

"There's something cosmic about the vibrations of this machine."

Dr. Pete Szakacs about his Power Plate machine, which he says can vibrate away stress and increase the effectiveness of exercise.

"This is a setup."

George Vera, jailed County Commission candidate on his latest arrest for trying to get an unwilling 12-year-old girl to give him a hug.

"You believe in Santa Claus, and there is a Santa Claus."

Marge Lamothe, who got her dream set of golf clubs from an anonymous donor.

"He was a cracker. He loved it here."

Susan Clark, wife of former Pasco Commissioner David "Hap" Clark, who died Dec. 23.

"I wanted to give pleasure to people at Christmas who are away from their real homes."

Linda Harns, who decorated two hospice homes for the holidays.
 

"He's very happy. He's been in prison a very long time, but he remains optimistic."

Harry Brody, attorney for Samuel Derrick, left, a death row inmate who hopes DNA tests will clear him in a 1987 murder in Moon Lake.

"I was told that the only other intersection in the U.S. that is bigger would be Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, in Las Vegas."

David Evans, a friend of the Porter family and a former top executive at Pinellas-based Lansbrook Development Corp., discussing the road work at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 56.

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 20:56:39]