Declarations

Campus Guns

“College campuses as gun-free zones present an environment where murderers, rapists and other criminals may commit crimes

without fear of being harmed by their victims.”

— An NRA lobbyist who supported a new Tennessee law to allow state college faculty members to carry guns on campus, with certain restrictions.

Houston Metro Woes

“Why don’t they ticket their own drivers for blocking intersections or not blowing the horn?”

Salvadore Martin, who drives in downtown Houston daily, commented in a report that states the city’s light rail system is plagued with collisions along its routes. Metropolitan Transit Authority is planning an aggressive traffic enforcement campaign targeting illegal left turns along the rail corridor. Drivers like Martin think Metro should focus its efforts internally instead of policing drivers.

No Tolerance for False Promises

“Deceiving and profiting from displaced homeowners by making false promises is a cruel abuse and will not be tolerated.”

— New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino, commented on allegations that a contractor who performed work on Superstorm Sandy-damaged homes pressured customers into signing contracts and then performed shoddy work it failed to correct. Mullica Hill, N.J.-based company, Jersey Pride Home Renovation, is alleged to have used deceptive practices to obtain nearly $350,000 in federal relief funds from nine homeowners, often by pressuring customers into signing agreements with assertions that a quoted price was only available for 48 hours.

‘Goldilocks’ Economy

“Although the inflation gauge is elevated, I would characterize the region as having a ‘goldilocks’ economy… That is not so hot as to push the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at a stepped-up pace, but not so cool as to slow employment gains.”

— Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the Mid-America Business Conditions Index survey for nine Midwest and Plains states. A recent survey showed the region is experiencing continual improvement in economic conditions despite inflationary pressures.

Wake-Up Call

“This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the entertainment industry. The entire industry needs to commit to safety practices for actors and stunt people involved in this type of work.”

— Occupational Saftey and Health Administraition Atlanta Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer commented after Stalwart Films LLC was cited and fined $12,675 for the death of a stuntman last year. John Bernecker, 33, died on the set of “The Walking Dead” series after falling about 22 feet and landing on concrete instead of a pad that was set up on the ground. The fine is the maximum allowable for a serious violation for “failure to provide adequate protection from fall hazards.”