News was announced, and actually reported favorably in the Watertown Daily Times, today that several colleges were awarded funding for campus improvements through the state Higher Education Capital Matching Grant program. Two universities in NY-23, St. Lawrence University and Paul Smith's College, were recipients of the state government money for renovations.
And how were these two universities, along with only 20 others, awarded grant money among all of New York's other post-secondary education institutions? Without knowing all the details on how the state Dormitory Authority determines its winners and administers these grants, it seems reasonable to ask whether Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, a proponent who sought assistance for the projects and whose district includes St. Lawrence University, used her influence and political capital to make the money available. It is also worth speculating whether Scozzafava's support for the earmarks was a direct political kickback to a university of which she is currently financially liable. Call me a skpetic, but I keep asking myself if there is more than meets the eye between St. Lawrence University and Dede Scozzafava.
It's no secret that Scozzafava's public image has suffered a tremendous amount in the last few months. Just today she announced she may decide to run for re-election to her 122nd district assembly seat, and that she is working under the assumption that she will run again for that seat. There are at least five different Republicans interested in taking over the seat though, which has to causing some anxiety among Dede's closest supporters. So what next -- if you are trying to remake your political image and right the biggest political train wreck of 2009, where do you go for help? Step one: damage control on a pending lawsuit. Step two: rebuild a strained relationship with one of the biggest employers in your district. Step three: use your political influence to win earmarks for people you have upset and shift the debate back in a favorable light.
When we filed a story about the pending St. Lawrence University lawsuit against Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava and some of her associates we inquired to the university whether they had any statement on the timing of their lawsuit against Scozzafava. They responded that they do not comment on matters of litigation. But today, less than a week later, St. Lawrence University President William L. Fox says he is, "very grateful for the support of our New York state representatives, Senator Darrel Aubertine, Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russel and Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, for supporting the university in seeking assistance for these projects, which will benefit our students and the community."
With that statement and its publication in the biggest newspaper in her district, Scozzafava may have completed her three step program to begin the process of re-branding herself as an effective legislator for the North Country, a key go-to person who can shake down the trees in Albany for more and more government money. Can I get a check from the government too? Please!
