Lately, we have been inundated with a message of hope. That if we mix two parts money with one part sacrifice, we will be rewarded in the long run.
Both UB President John B. Simpson and U.S. President Barack Obama want us to believe that they have a vision, a plan for success that will free us from the bonds of economic depression and sub-par quality of life that we have witnessed recently.
Last year, the citizens of the U.S. pulled Obama onto the pulpit, begging him to rectify the wrongs of the country.
This year, it was our local lawmakers' turns.
In January, at a rally at UB's own Gateway Building downtown, local political heavyweights like Robin Schimminger, William Stachowski, George Maziarz, and Sam Hoyt gathered onstage to throw their support behind the UB 2020 plan.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure that the UB 2020 plan comes to fruition and becomes the catalyst for future economic growth in our region," Stachowski said, in a move that's only slightly reminiscent of Princess Leia's iconic message to Obi-Wan Kenobi seconds before her capture.
Help me UB 2020, you're my only hope.
I know that Easter is on its way, but I think it's important to remember not to put all of our eggs in one basket. Especially when that basket is made entirely out of optimism and faith. Sure, I've seen the studies that show that UB contributes up to $1.7 billion to the local economy, and as a die-hard Buffalonian I want UB 2020 to succeed as much as anyone, but there's just something about the whole concept that throws up a huge red flag.
Obama has taken steps in recent days to try to earn the trust of the nation. His ban on lobbyists and pay freeze for high-earning white house aides were lauded by the masses as a step in the right direction for the new president.
His weekly YouTube addresses and promise to keep in touch with the American people have also earned him points amongst the citizens of the nation.
It would benefit Simpson to take similar steps to preserve the credibility of UB 2020. Transparency and public outreach need to be key elements of the UB 2020 plan. We need frequent explanations detailing where and why our money is being spent over the course of the plan.
When our local politicians stood on that stage, they announced a bill that will soon be sent to Albany in support of UB 2020. The bill proposes, among other things, more fiscal independence for the university.
The university needs to show us that it can handle that sort of freedom. It should be something earned, not given away on a whim in an attempt to bring salvation to Buffalo.
Simpson and UB 2020, if you can show us that you are capable of being responsible in your attempt to grow the university and save the city, may the force be with you.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
