SUNY, Where Is The Money Tree?

     Recently, the State University at Cortland has spent:
     $40.8 million to upgrade Bowers Hall, phase 1.
     $21.1 million for Dowd renovation, phase 2.
     $3 million for Lusk Field House renovation.
     $15.5 million for Studio West addition and alterations.

     SUNY now proposes to build a Student Life Center for $56 million in a contested area of Cortland.
     Where is the money tree? We have looked all over campus and we can't find it. We have asked students and staff to locate it, but so far none has found it. Two inquiring city residents took their dogs for a walk around campus. Dogs are good at locating trees. The dogs found beech, maple, ash and linden trees, and properly anointed them. But they never found the money tree. Perhaps the money tree was disguised. Perhaps the money was borrowed from the State University Construction Fund  -- a money tree with a different name.
     What is the real cost to the taxpayers, including principal and interest? Did the state legislature authorize these expenditures? $56 million bonded over twenty years would easily total $90 million.
     You won't find these questions and answers listed on college promotional Student Life Center FAQ. The governor has stated that New York State must control expenditures during tough economic times -- except SUNY construction, and executive helicopter rides between Albany and Westchester County.
     As SUCC building and renovations continue, PEF layoffs are beginning. PEF employee contract talks may go to binding arbitration.
     Of course, the proposed $56 million Student Life Center will proceed, despite funding concerns and objections from the proximate neighborhood and city council.
     No one listens when Tiresias speaks.