Let's begin by asking "What is the taxpayers responsibility regarding Broome Community College (BCC)? Broome County is the sponsor and contributes approximately 22% of the college's operating costs. I have a great deal of respect for the Board of Trustees of BCC, and fully understand the challenges that they face, I believe that the County Executive should allow the Trustees and the school Administration to operate in a non-political, bi-partisan atmosphere where they can make decisions on the needs of the students and staff without provocation from any political entity.

BCC recently presented a 10-year plan that will bring this great educational center into the 21st Century and Broome County needs to do its part in supporting these efforts. Our children are our future and there is no price too high to pay to give our children an opportunity to receive a college education at an affordable price and at the same time, allow BCC to continue to grow and prosper as is set forth in the BCC 10 year plan (Saratoga Associates, November 12, 2007).

The Alms House is an example of wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars and unneeded meddling in BCC affairs. In reading the BCC 10-year Plan, the Alms House has "asbestos present, severe deterioration, the configuration and location of the structure does not lend itself to any current college programs, and is recommended to be removed." "The master plan process by Saratoga Associates has not identified an application for the college that effectively uses the building.." About 12 years ago, I supported the idea of renovating this building but at the same time, respected the position of the BCC Trustees and Administration to demolish this building pending a study that was conducted some time later. This building has now sat idle for over 10 years and is in extremely poor condition both structurally and environmentally. According to Saratoga Associates, "review of the building indicates advanced deterioration of the façade, water and heating along with other systems that have failed or are not functional." Now we are being told that the current County Executive wants to invest over $3 million dollars into this building. That $3 million dollars can be better spent on other projects at the school that would greatly benefit the students as well as the teachers. Buildings that are now being used for class instruction and other uses average over 45 years old and are in dire need of renovation. Why not spend that $3 million dollars on those buildings? In my many conversations that I have had with Trustees and Administrators, I could not find anyone who was in favor of renovating the Alms House and I believe that holds true today in spite of what you may hear from the County Executive. Common sense must prevail on this issue. One of the key questions is, "Why is the current County administration so intent on spending $3 million dollars on the Alms House when the Master Plan Report states "within the master plan, it is recommended that this building be removed."?

In regard to the recent issue with the former BCC President, there has been a great deal of negative press over the past few years due to some difference between the present County Executive and the former BCC President which lead to an early retirement/resignation of the President. Now the college is not only paying the past President's full salary of $150,000 plus benefits, it is paying the full salary and benefits of his temporary replacement. Double payment for the same position. Why? Is it the right of the County Executive to decide who the President of BCC is? I thought it was the responsibility of the BCC Trustees. I support the Trustees, administration and faculty to select their own leader without undo interference from the County Executive.

Thank you for visiting my website and for reading my view of this topic. I hope that you see the difference in my beliefs and approach from Ms. Fiala’s administration. Won’t you help me get the word out to others? Will you put a lawn sign in your yard or would you like some information cards about my campaign mailed to you? And most importantly, please send a donation so that I can continue our fight. Please see the HOW TO HELP page for more information on how to support my campaign.Thank you.