Talley Time?
By CHADWICK BUCH
Proposed fee increases for building renovations may not be appropriate in light of current economic times, leadership allegations
The Rally 4 Talley campaign is in full swing. With many options and claims being tossed around, students, faculty and staff as well as members of the university community are concerned with the funding and outcomes of this issue. Obviously the Talley Center is outdated and grossly inadequate to meet the current needs of today’s student population. Designed and built in the 1970s, this aging structure shows its wear and has clearly seen better days. It’s not debatable that something needs to be done, but are the board of trustees and elected officials really looking out for our best interests?
The most critical problem related to the Talley project is funding. Raising taxes via additional student fees during an economic downturn is not the best option. Neither is financing this project with millions of dollars in debt that future students will be beleaguered under. Student Body President Jim Ceresnak has said it himself; he is the voice of the students as a student on the NCSU Board of Trustees. However, any dealings with the board of trustees should raise a red flag. Allegations surrounding the Mary Easley scandal and D. MacQueen Campbell, the chairman of the board, remind us again of why government is the problem and not the solution.
Obviously there may be some kickbacks involved, perhaps awarding big contracts to architects and general contractors who may be in on the deal. Knowing that Mr. Campbell is in the real estate field, it would not be uncommon for him to have numerous contacts within the construction and real estate development business. In addition, Mr. Campbell’s actions may be in violation of the rules governing behavior by real estate brokers (GS 93). High-ranking persons of interest in the investigation such as ex-Vice Provost Larry Nielsen may have pushed hard to show preferential treatment to some firms that could stand to profit nicely from a large government contract.
Do we need to saddle future Wolfpackers with mountains of debt? This is not the legacy that we want to leave behind on this wonderful campus. If nothing else, educate yourself on the issue and remember that there are always two sides to every story. The board of trustees’ vote can be swayed and it would be atrocious if the democratic nature of our government were tainted by the illegal dealings of the members. Mary Easley has proven this based on her shady actions surrounding her position and pay raise with the University. This issue deserves a second look because there may have been illegal ties between her and the architects and contractors who stand to gain a lot from this new building. As much as the students would like to have faith in the board of trustees, it is tough given the recent allegations.
There has been commentary on the timing of this renovation, and both sides have valid points. Yes it is true that construction costs are at an all time low because general contractors are anxious to get work. However, the country’s national deficit continues to grow, and do we need to burden future students with the debt from this massive project? The board of trustees must practice and preach financial accountability, and focus on providing a quality education at an economical cost. With tuition and student fees continuing to climb every year, is now really a good idea to add another $83 to the bill, especially at a time when students and families are struggling? The economic downturn affects everyone in some way, and paying for higher education can be tough. Increasing the tuition and effectively taking out a mortgage to pay for the Talley renovations is simply unwise and irresponsible.
So the issue left to be resolved is how to responsibly pay for this new facility. There certainly seems to be some conflicts of interest exhibited by members of the Board of Trustees who are supposed to be making educated decisions, free from bias. This bias may come in the form of close family ties, financial associations or simply a backdoor loan. Until this issue is resolved, we will see bickering from each side. But if you do nothing else, at least read up on the issue and make yourself aware of the future implications. Visit Rally4Talley.com.