Assemblywoman Russell appearing on YNN's Capital Tonight this evening

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will be appearing on YNN's Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin this evening, Thursday September 29th to discuss the her legislation to establish a War of 1812 Commemorative Commission, which was recently vetoed by Governor Cuomo.  The show is at 8:00pm and repeats as 11:00pm. 

-30-

Russell Statement on SUNY decision not to have shared presidents at Canton and Potsdam

Today, the SUNY Board of Trustees has unanimously passed a resolution that essentially directs both presidents of SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton to work together toward a goal of increasing the percentage of funds devoted to instruction and academic services.  The Board has decided not to make a decision on whether a single president should serve both campuses. Instead, it will reserve that decision based upon consideration of a joint report from presidents Kennedy and Schwaller which is due on March 30, 2012. 

As I have stated in the past, I have been working with SUNY on almost a daily basis and have urged them to allow both Presidents to remain and work on the issue of shared services.  I am very pleased that my input has been taken seriously and that the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees have acted in this manner.  I believe that both campuses will benefit from a full analysis by the Presidents and that the goal of shifting funds from administration to instruction and academic services will be met. 

Assemblywoman Addie Russell Friday Press Availability

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will have press availability Friday morning at her office at the conclusion of the 9/11 ceremony at the Dulles State Office Building.  She will discuss issues relating to SUNY and several other topics.  This is a media-only event.

Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell in response to recent revelations regarding SUNY Canton President Kennedy's status

 “As a result of my ongoing dialog with SUNY, last week I was able to persuade them to go one step further than offering Dr. Kennedy one more year as President of SUNY Canton.  My understanding is that Dr. Kennedy was offered to be returned to his previous status as President for an unspecified period of time.  

“This would come with less job security for the President but would be a signal that SUNY would move forward with one president at each campus, a goal clearly desired by everyone directly affected by this situation.

“Given that this arrangement would mean that Dr. Kennedy would return to serving in an at-will capacity, like every other president in the SUNY system, I have asked SUNY to provide a little more job security for him.  In light of the tumultuous circumstances I have asked that they provide him with a contract to serve as president of SUNY Canton for three years.  This type of contract is unprecedented, but warranted given the events of the past few weeks.  

“However, if this effort is not successful, I would not fault President Kennedy if he were to decide to continue with his contract to serve out the year as president and then serve as an advisor to the Chancellor for two more years.

“If President Kennedy opts to keep his current agreement with SUNY, I will absolutely become a co-sponsor of Senator Ritchie’s legislation to ensure that each campus has its own president and work closely with her to find a way to make the bill become law.  We need to ensure that if President Kennedy leaves the campus at the end of the school year, that he is replaced to preserve the integrity of the campus.   

     

“In the meantime, I will continue to advocate on behalf of the campus’ needs, specifically for Dr. Kennedy to remain president for at least the next three years.   He has been placed in a very difficult position and it is unfortunate that this personal matter is being played out in the press.”

-30-

Press Availability

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will hold an open press event Friday, September 2, 2011 at her office in the State Office Building in Watertown at 11:30am.  Media only.  She will be discussing a number of topics and events.