"From the outset, our objective was to transform the academic and behavioral atmosphere and reputation at Hopewell. I think the recent events show that the students and staff are doing what needs to be done to change the culture at the school."
— Louise Jones.
"We've gone from not meeting growth and proficiency expectations to exceeding them."
— Jones on the recent gains made in Hopewell's student performance.
"We got to talk to them about the Academy, what it has meant to us and the opportunities it provides."
— Hopewell Sophomore Carla Bailey.
"This is the most important thing that we do."
— Mayor Jill Swain to Huntersville commissioners, referencing the adoption of a municipal budget.
"We may be behind on the calendar, but I think we're ahead of the game."
— Huntersville Commissioner Charles Jeter responding to suggestions that the budget review process is behind schedule.
"If you do that, I don't think we could meet our obligations."
— Huntersville Police Chief Philip Potter in response to suggestions of cutting the department's
training budget in half.
"They don't accept MasterCard or anything like that."
— Chief Potter explaining why money is set aside in a "special funds" account used for undercover drug buys as part of department investigations.
"This is very important. That is, to me, our next commercial and corporate growth area."
— Huntersville Commissioner Sarah McAulay voicing support for transportation department expenditures earmarked for road studies around the Bryton development in southeastern Huntersville.
"We're not just doing this because we like pretty things. Let's not forget we had a reason for doing this."
— Cornelius Commissioner Lynette Rinker reminding her colleagues about their original aspirations for the future design and aesthetics of the Exit 28 interchange.
"Someday, parents are going to be able to bring their children, turn down our little gravel road, and see the way Mecklenburg County used to look. That is, we think, a gift to the community that over time will become even more valuable."
— Frank Bragg, one of the property owners within the Ramah Creek Conservation Area in Huntersville, commenting on the investment he, his family and his neighbors have made in preserving 500 acres along McAuley Road.
