“As a staunch proponent of consolidation and shared services during my tenure as a member of the New York State Assembly, I have always supported creative and unique opportunities to rein in spending, especially at the top as opposed to always cutting the rank and file. With the launch of the SUNY Campus Alliance Networks, SUNY will be able to invest more resources toward academic instruction and student-support services as a result of the cost savings generated by functional and administrative consolidation among the alliance partners.
“Already SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam have initiated planning for shared services, thanks to the leadership of Presidents Joseph Kennedy and John Schwaller. This can serve as an example that government can operate effectively and efficiently with smaller, centralized administrative units.
“It should be stressed that this will not mean that the two campuses will merge into one college. The administrative alliance should be invisible to the public and the students. But the reduction of administrative personnel allows SUNY to channel resources that will directly improve educational functions at each campus respectively.
“As New York State continues to recover from the downturn in the economy and tremendous budget gaps, this is exactly the kind of bold leadership needed. I had discussions with Chancellor Zimpher last week and appreciate that she heard my concerns and my encouragement to proceed with a sound, open process for continued planning. Our respective staffs have had ongoing communications and will continue to do so. Again I commend SUNY for its leadership in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and expanding academic resources.”