Serious financial crisis should halt JCC plan

The undersigned has attended the Jefferson County Legislature meetings in opposition to the proposed expansion for Jefferson Community College that is mainly for housing students. The JCC plans have a projected cost of $62.5 million for the project, but not included are any cost overruns for the project. It is not clear what the cost will be for such items as maintenance, utilities, furniture, security and the hiring of new personnel that will include contractual benefits for the new employees.

In addition, what is the cost of taxpayers' money for the preliminary architecture plans for the project that will be submitted to the state for approval? Hence, unfortunately the legislators will approve this project without the whole story, and it appears they will endorse the plan without a doubt. They expect New York state financial aid will be forthcoming and approved. How can anyone endorse such a plan without all of the facts?

There is presently a dark, dismal outlook for New York state and the nation, but this legislative body doesn't realize the spending parties are over for the nation and the state. They are not visionaries on this serious financial crisis and have a blind eye. On the other hand, Gov. David A. Paterson recognized the financial situation prior to the Wall Street bailout with leadership. And in August he called the New York State Legislature in session to construct some financial cuts in the past New York state budget, and it passed.

The Jefferson County legislators are out of touch with reality and should remove their rose-colored glasses and realize that the public at large is surrounded with a serious financial crisis for the state and nation.

Fred C. Benedetto

Watertown