“I don’t think the only reason we’re there is to pass bills. Part of the reason we’re there is to keep bills from passing.” ~ Del. Todd Schuler, on why he and other legislators are only sponsoring a handful of bills this session.
“I just turned off the lights and shut down my computer. We’re all screaming uncle over here. We’re trying to figure out who did what and offer him up as a sacrifice.”
~ Baltimore County Bureau of Highways Chief Tim Burgess on Wednesday afternoon, after being asked for his reaction to an updated weather forecast that day that warned of 20 to 30 inches of new snow.
“The budget is a question of priorities and the political will to change those priorities hasn’t occurred yet.”
~ Sen. Jim Brochin on The C4 Show on WBAL 1090 AM Thursday speaking about the upcoming General Assembly session and a budget deficit that is approaching $2 billion.
“If they take the time to write me a handwritten note they’ll get a handwritten note from me. I’m a doctor and I have good handwriting.”
— Del. Dan Morhaim, on corresponding with his constituents during a Dec. 14 appearance on the C4 Show on WBAL 1090 AM.
“That doesn’t sound like their role. I’m not sure their role is to inject politics into this process.”
~ Republican former Councilman Wayne Skinner, on county Personnel and Salary Advisory Board considering pensions and other benefits when making recommendations on a 2 percent raise for the County Council that will take office in December 2010. Those benefits and perks were not part of a recommendation to give the incoming county executive an 8 percent raise.
“She told me I’d have to pick an extra bag of corn.”
— Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder, on the teasing he received from his wife after he said he would oppose raises for the county executive and County Council that were recommended by the county Personnel Advisory and Salary Board. Bartenfelder is a farmer, four-term councilman and an announced candidate for county executive.
“I have my clock radio set to WBAL. If there’s anything I don’t want to wake up to in the morning, it’s your voice. How would you like to wake up to your voice?”
~ Les Pittler, Baltimore County Revenue Authority board member, referring to yours truly speaking on the radio.
“You hope property owners start to comply immediately. We’re just recognizing the fiscal impact. I don’t think they want to dilly-dally.”
~ County spokesman Don Mohler, expressing his belief that area rental property owners won’t need more than a year to install carbon monoxide detectors.
Here’s the first of what I hope will be a regular feature on some of the funny, ironic and interesting things said in the world of politics.
“It’s like being on an airplane when those oxygen masks drop down from the ceiling. You put your mask on first and then you assist others.”
~Former Republican Del. Don Murphy, Oct. 30, 2009, on when it isappropriate for candidates to help campaign for other candidates.