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TagsForesees move as helping to revitalize Trenton, save state money
BY TOM HESTER SR.
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
The Christie administration wants Rutgers University to take over the operation of the financially-troubled State Museum in Trenton as well as the neighboring State Library and Thomas Edison State College.
Citing that the state government is facing its worst financial crisis since the 1930‘s, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno told the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Tuesday, "...We support having Rutgers absorb the day-to-day operations of the New Jersey State Museum as part of its larger merger with Thomas Edison State College. In such a hostile budget climate, this proposal would be sound if only the cost savings that will be realized by eliminating overhead.''
Guadagno also revealed the administration is looking for a private management company to take over the operation of the state-owned War Memorial Building, site of the struggling Patriots Theater.
The college, museum and library are adjacent to the Statehouse on West State Streets and the War Memorial is nearby."However, there's something far more important at play here,'' Guadagno said. "The ongoing cultural and economic revitalization of Trenton. The infusion of money by the presence of the state university in the Capital City will breathe new life into the downtown area, one where students not only receive the highest quality education, but also have access to some of the premier educational and entertainment venues anywhere in New Jersey.
"The State Museum is certainly at the top of that list, and would be the cornerstone of Trenton's cultural center,'' Guadagno said. "Without compromising its essential mission, this proposal will maximize the museum's potential for growth and better utilize its upgraded exhibition space for technological capabilities. We have no doubt it will be a win-win for all involved.''
The museum closed for multi-million dollar improvements in 2007 but when funding disappeared, it reopened in 2008 with only some of its wings open to the public. The library is under utilized due to public fear of visiting Trenton. The college helps New Jerseyans gain a degree through life experience with courses mainly provided via computer and mail.
Questioned about a Rutgers takeover by Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), Guadagno said, "The museum is underfunded and needs a lot of money to stay alive. There are wings still closed and the museum is understaffed.'' Guadagno said the answer to the problem is to allow Rutgers to take over the operation.
"Call it whatever you want. Call it the Capital City branch of Rutgers,'' Guadagno said. "Wouldn‘t it be nice to see it become a vibrant part of the city of Trenton and also save the museum? It's an exciting way to revitalize the State Museum. To me, it is a very exciting prospect of turning the lights on again.''
While indicating students could be going to classes at Thomas Edison, Guadagno did not immediately explain if the college would change its role of helping older New Jerseyans seeking a degree.
"I don‘t understand how it would fuse without New Jerseyans losing out on education,‘' Buono said.
Rutgers officials were not immediately available for comment.
Guadagno said the operation of the War Memorial would improve if privatized.
"The same holds true of our plan to partner with a private management company to run the day-to-day operations of the Trenton War Memorial, and we're moving ahead with the request for proposal process '' she said. "When completed, a fee scale for use will be negotiated between the state and the proposed company, and every effort made to maximize revenue at considerable less cost if past practices were maintained. This is consistent with the Patriots Theater's legacy as a premier performing arts venue, while realizing an untapped revenue stream amid New Jersey's budget crisis.''
E.J. Miranda, a Rutgers' spokesman, released comments made by the university's president, Richard McCormick, regarding the proposed takeover.
"While Rutgers did not originate this proposal, we appreciate the confidence placed in us by Governor Christie and, indeed, have great admiration for the Thomas Edison State College, its leadership, and its mission of serving thousands of non-traditional students through a variety of educational means,'' McCormick said. "Rutgers is already significantly expanding programs for non-traditional students and online education. Dr. George Pruitt and I have met once and talked several times to discuss this.
"Following release of the governor's proposal, which includes the State Library and the State Museum, as well as the Thomas Edison State College, I asked my leadership team to undertake a full review and due diligence on the proposal -- including academic opportunities, financial challenges, legal issues, and governance concerns, among others. That due diligence is still underway. This is a weighty, multi-part proposal, and it will take time fully to evaluate it.''
McCormick continued, "Already I can say, however, that some issues have emerged that would require not only time but also effort and resources to resolve. Could Rutgers fulfill the complete educational mission of the Thomas Edison State College? Could Rutgers meet the needs of the hundreds of local libraries that are currently served by the State Library? Do the finances pencil out? These are worthy questions, and there are others. The answers will not come easily. Appropriately, therefore, we are studying the proposal with the serious and thoughtful consideration it demands and deserves.''
I think this Governor should rethink this idea. I don't know why this would even be considered because it will hurt people, not help them.
The plan calls for a reduction in TESC staff of 26, which would be filled by utilizing Rutgers staff and existing departments....why not reduce hundreds of middle management positions that are NOT necessary within ALL departments of state government?
This plan makes NO sense.....
TESC gives to downtown Trenton and supports the economic redevelopment. Do folks know that TESC staff and supporters volunteer each season to hit the streets to clean up the neighborhoods?
Do folks know that TESC is the 2nd largest college in NJ and that currently 8,000 of their students are active duty military serving in other countries?
Do folks know that TESC has NO CLASSROOMS...just administrative offices and conference rooms....where is Rutgers going to "hold" their classes? Not going to happen!
Perhaps the Governor and his team should take a walk next door and learn what TESC does before writing them off.....
You’re going to take 3 institutions, cut all of their funding, and then dump those three institutions into Rutgers (which is also taking an 18% cut). And you expect Rutgers to magically turn a sh*t neighborhood into roses? Give me a break! What is the governor smoking? Something doesn’t smell right!!!