The most memorable quotes in the Times Free Press for the week of Set. 29-Oct. 5:

"They need to get their mess together, stop playing politics and think about the working people."

- Chattanooga resident Rodney Thrasher, a cook, on the partial government shutdown as he tried to pick up a copy of his 2010 tax return from the local IRS office, which was closed

"This ought to be a place where we can get you here and keep you safe."

- Paul Smith, Chattanooga's public safety coordinator, on city plans to open a Family Justice Center where abuse victims can go for shelter and support

"I think we have to decide what we want our public school system to be. ... I very much intend to push that conversation to the surface, that this entire community needs to decide what they want this school system to be."

- Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith on the need for broad community partnerships and support in K-12 education

"Let me be very clear: Money is tight. There is absolutely no desire to raise taxes."

- Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey, who participated with Rick Smith in a panel discussion on education