The Week in Words

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 9, 2008

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

"I remember that night - I was dying. They kept shocking me. They really were keeping me alive. I remember they shocked me one time, and I said, "Don't do that again. Just let me die."

George Cooper, 75, at left, who is a regular golfer at Meadow Oaks near Hudson, 21 years after a heart transplant.

"Troy hopes to continue playing football someday. It's up to the judge how much time Troy is going to get."

Terry Christian, a court-appointed attorney for former Pasco High and Dallas Cowboys football player Troy Hambrick, who pleaded guilty to selling crack cocaine.

"(Lawmakers) will try to put a shine on it. They will try to buff it up and say it's not all that bad. But it is bad."

Pasco School Board member Marge Whaley, regarding pending budget cuts.

"To me, they were delicious. I had two. If we could have thirds, I would be in line."

Mitsy Audate, a fifth-grader at Pine View Elementary, giving her 2-cents worth on new hot dogs made from turkey instead of beef. The school district stands to save thousands of dollars by switching to turkey.

"He's looking to extort probation out of this court. He doesn't continue to gamble with lottery tickets; he gambles with this court. Judge, I ask you to call the cards on that gamble."

Assistant State Attorney James Goodnow as he successfully sought a jail sentence for former lawyer David Olson, who stole from his clients to support a gambling habit.

"Probably my No. 1 reason for running is planning and controlled growth. When I have to leave Zephyrhills on (State Road) 54 to go to Interstate 75, it makes me want to slash my wrists. I'm so tired of seeing all these cookie-cutter subdivisions, and it's getting so dense. Pasco needs to keep up with change, and we need to have responsible growth."

Gina King, former Zephyrhills Council member running for Pasco County Commission.

[Last modified March 8, 2008, 21:47:57]