Declarations

Criminal Defense

“You can’t fire somebody because they refused to commit a crime for you.”

— Mary Schultz, the attorney for Gregg Becker, successfully argued in court that the former chief financial officer of a chain of medical clinics in the Pacific Northwest was fired for refusing to file fabricated financial reports. He was awarded $1.9 million.

Needs and Responsibilities

“Policyholders need to know what they are buying, insurance companies need to deliver on the promises they make and state regulators have a responsibility to make sure that happens.”

— Jay Feinman, professor of insurance law, torts and contract law at Rutgers Law School and co-director of the Rutgers Center for Risk and Responsibility, discusses a report he authored for a project launched by Rutgers Law School’s Camden, N.J., location, in collaboration with United Policyholders.

Overwhelming Victory

“Better late than never. Most states outside the South already have legal medical marijuana, but the overwhelming victory today in Florida is likely to accelerate the momentum for reform throughout the region.”

— Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. Florida voters passed a state constitutional amendment on Nov. 8 to legalize medical marijuana with 71 percent approval.

Government Befuddlement

“You have every kind of chemical in the world coming through Houston.”

— Kenneth MacKenzie, Houston’s former air pollution control chief. About 400 trucks a day loaded with tons of hazardous chemicals travel Houston’s inner loop freeway. Texas Department of Transportation records show highway routes designated for transport of hazardous chemicals in the Houston area have not been updated in 20 years, and government officials appear befuddled over who has the authority to do so.