Editor’s note: From developments in the Occupy movement to Willie Nelson’s endorsement of Mayor Lee Leffingwell, the following quotes are among the best from the last few days.
“While you might say, ‘Hoo, man, that’s a lot of money,’ that was something actually earned by Ed over an 11-year period with an 11-year retention hook to it.”
— John Bethancourt, chairman of the Texas A&M Foundation, remarking on criticism regarding the compensation of A&M’s president, Eddie Davis, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Davis received $786,983 for the year ending June 30, 2010.
“John is a very talented faculty member. He’s one of the most prominent scholars we have in the University.”
— Tom Gilligan, dean of the McCombs School of Business, on the compensation of John Daly, UT communication studies and business professor. Daly received more than $100,000 in supplements to his salary in 2010 from the McCombs School of Business Foundation, according to the Statesman.
“We think the way that we have worked with the Occupiers has been a model … What we have noticed throughout this movement is that the movement changed. We continue to respect free speech.”
— Assistant City Manager Michael McDonald, after protesters at Occupy Austin were evicted by police Friday, according to the Statesman.
“We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives … We ask for the public’s understanding and patience as we … determine how to move forward in the best interests of the women and people we serve.”
— The Susan G. Komen Foundation in a press release Friday. The foundation came under fire last week for its decision to withdraw financial support for breast exams at Planned Parenthood.
“There are a lot of people calling for a special session, but we don’t see the need for one.”
— Bill Peacock, executive at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, criticizing the call for a special session at the state Legislature to reform school finance, according to Texas Public Radio.
“I am gratified to learn that the U.S. attorney’s office is closing its investigation. It is the right decision, and I commend them for reaching it.”
— Austinite and Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, in response to the closing of a federal investigation of Armstrong regarding allegations of steroid use, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
“I love Austin, and I think Mayor Leffingwell has done a real good job of helping keep it a special place.”
— Musician Willie Nelson endorsing Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell in his reelection bid, according to Leffingwell’s campaign website.
