Onward We March

The Ledger correctly pointed out that Governor Crist owes Polk County and our entire region an explanation of his unfortunate veto of construction funds for the new campus of the USF Polytechnic. While I agree that an explanation is in order, I hate to admit that I already know what it says, and it stinks to high heaven.

It’s important to put the veto in perspective. As The Ledger pointed out, 25% of the Governor’s vetoes this year fell in Polk County. Last time I checked there are 67 counties in Florida. Sound equitable to you? Of course not, which further illustrates that this veto has nothing to do with education policy, spending policy, fiscal restraint, or budgetary prioritization. It has everything to do with the politics surrounding a fledgling administration mired in contradiction and unpredictability.

I frankly don’t plan to venture here into the political workings of a US Senate campaign and how they translate into the folly of inconsistency that has become the Administration. But suffice it to say, it’s mind boggling. Check out this press release which the Governor issued on June 11, 2008 marking his enthusiastic support of the campus name change and the critical first round of construction funding. To quote him, “I look forward to the great work…from this promising institution.” Huh?

That press release came the year after the very first Charlie Crist veto of construction dollars for USF Polytechnic. He issued that release and the region breathed a collective sigh of relief. We had convinced him. He endorsed us – and endorsed us publicly. What ensued were two solid years of construction funding with the Governor’s seal of approval.

If you have found yourself reading along just fine up until now, yes, you might have just stumbled on a mental speed bump of sorts. But what I’m telling you is correct. This Governor has now vetoed and signed construction dollars for the same project twice. I couldn’t make something this outrageous up. This is the inconsistency this region and decision-makers across the state are wrangling with. How do you do business with an administration that exhibits this type of irrationality? The truth is, you can’t. And you shouldn’t.

USFP’s chief Marshall Goodman on Thursday issued a candid statement to supporters reiterating the region’s commitment to the campus master plan, to the bold vision that USFP offers and to continuing the important fight to bring first rate economic advancement to Polk.

I congratulate him as well for reminding folks that while the vision of vertical construction on the Williams site has suffered a temporary setback of sorts, the mission remains strong and the delivery of the highest quality education by world class professionals flourishes. You see, the Governor left in tact the operating fund increases contained in the state’s budget. So, onward we march. You will see expansion of the high-tech business incubator efforts throughout the region, the hiring of some of the most qualified faculty ever assembled and the continuation of a mission that has been endorsed so enthusiastically by a loving community and a committed region.

And come January, the inconsistency that has become the Crist Administration will fade from power. Advocates, citizens and leaders will engage and we’ll succeed. The campus will be built. The Polytechnic vision will thrive and the region will claim victory because we remained fervently committed to bold vision and economic transformation.

photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News