They said it: The best of 2017 quotes part 1

John Foy at home. 164864_09 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

 The things people say.
They can amuse you or make you grind your teeth.
But nothing brings a story to life like a bold quote.
Here are some of the best for 2017:
“I think all the electronic devices got to them.”
78-year-old John Foy attributes a stunning Casey Council backflip to a viral social media campaign. The council reversed plans to compulsorily acquire and bulldoze his home and nature sanctuary.
“If you were my father and grandfather, I certainly wouldn’t want you to be in this position.”
Then-mayor Sam Aziz explains the above backflip to Mr Foy and a packed gallery of supporters.
“I have done nothing wrong… I challenge anyone to put themselves in this situation and remain.”
Casey councillor Steve Beardon sensationally resigns after other councillors turn on him for publicly criticising the mayor and then over a heated argument with Cr Milla Gilic.
“If I turn up with my shoelaces undone, they’d breach me for a Code of Conduct.”
Cr Beardon just days before his resignation in March.
“If he really cares about his residents, as he says he does, he should stay away from local government.”
Cr Aziz makes his views clear after Cr Beardon’s resignation – four months into his term of office. Cr Beardon had previously resigned 37 days into a term in 2003.