“We drive trucks and not bulldozers for a reason.” — Chris Branham, the city’s housing code enforcer, on working with owners to improve buildings rather than have them demolished

“It just stares at you and smiles — it looks like it smiles.” — Emily Bell, fifth grader, on puffer fish in the lobby of Sea Life Aquarium at Concord Mills

“I think he’s trying to show that the mediation process can work.” — Richard Miller, school board chairman, after mediator refused to declare an impasse between board and county commission

“Education is your way out.” — Belinda Rojo, A.L. Brown High teacher, telling students they can improve their lives despite poverty and other hardships

“Sometimes it turns out to be nothing, but the one time you don’t take it seriously, somebody may end up getting hurt.” — Russ Roakes, Salisbury resident, on precautions taken when a suspicious package turned up at the Post Office