"I think we're doing it on a very, very, very small group of individuals to demonstrate a point that we're fiscally responsible."

- Mike Haugen, a member of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education, responding to a recommendation that four top university system executives get smaller pay raises next year.

* * *

"To create a change in your community, now is the time. I feel passionate about the process, but I feel more passionate about getting something done."

- Bismarck Mayor John Warford, commenting on the recommendations of the Mayors Economic Development Advisory Group.

* * *

"If it was a local causing all these problems, we'd beat the (expletive) out of him."

- Selfridge rancher Butch Jochim, talking about problems between local cattlemen and Maurice Wilder, a Florida businessman who has a buffalo operation near Selfridge. Wilder's neighbors claim his buffalo broke fences and did thousands of dollars worth of damage. Further, there are claims that the buffalo on Wilder's ranch have overgrazed the grass.

* * *

"We will take care of your soldiers."

- North Dakota Adjutant Gen. Dave Sprynczynatyk, speaking to friends and family of state National Guard soldiers being sent to Kosovo.

* * *

"I think it's a huge deal. But it is still vastly unknown and overshadowed by the urgency to develop the Bakken."

- Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum council, putting the potential for the Three Forks Formation into perspective.

* * *

"Three consecutive negotiations going to impasse was not good for anybody."

- Mandan School Board member Kirsten Baesler, commenting after the school board successfully came to terms with the district's teachers for a new contract - without going to impasse.

* * *

"We fixed a leak, and then there was another one and then another one. That went on for a month and then we threw our hands up."

- Tim Johnson, member of the Hazen Park Board, talking about the difficulty in getting the community swimming pool open this summer.

* * *

"Whenever there are tax exemptions, somebody else is paying it. There's always going to be unintended consequences."

- Burleigh County Commissioner Doug Schonert, as he encouraged tax exemptions for all new homes in the county.