Lawmakers take sides on Poly independence

Posted Nov 9, 2011 by Lindsay Peterson

Updated Nov 9, 2011 at 04:22 PM

As the decision nears on making USF Polytechnic independent, state lawmakers are taking sides.

State Sen. Paula Dockery, of Lakeland, delivered a letter to the state Board of Governors this morning saying now is not the time to create a 12th state university.

She mentions that she’s had a chance to “chat” with some of the board members over the past week and has “the distinct impression that most of you believe this process has become mired in politics and the merits of the request do not justify the action for independence at this time.”

State Sen. JD Alexander is pushing hard for independence. He leads the Senate Budget Committee and has let it be known that he could cut state university funding if he doesn’t get what he’s asking for.

“I am of the opinion that the rush for independence NOW is being done for all the wrong reasons,” Dockery wrote.

“At a minimum a full and independent audit of all expenses and income should be conducted as well as an independent study of (Polytechnic’s) business plan in comparison to that audit before you proceed.”

In response to public records requests, Poly officials released contracts today showing it spent nearly half a million on a new marketing website launched last month.

It also captured headlines this week with revelations it spent $10,000 to purchase four life-size figures of sci-fi movie characters.

State Sen. Mike Fasano, of New Port Richey, has also asked the board to delay any approval until more study can be done, while Senate Rules Committee chairman state Sen. John Thrasher has come out on the side of Alexander.