Last week, the Erie Community College Board of Trustees approved the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement created by consultant Barton Hovey Nardini & Tries P.C., which evaluated the three potential options for the future of the ECC campuses. While much of the attention that ECC has attracted lately has centered around the consolidation vs. non-consolidation issue, behind the scenes and out of the headlines is a tremendous success story.

     Also last week, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education granted Erie Community College its full accreditation, ending a battle that has put the college's future in jeopardy since 2000.

     For the past four years, Middle States has refused to re-accredit ECC, noting the local political influence over the school's potential for success. The commission cited many years of domination by local politicians over hiring and trustee appointment. The College was even put on probation in March, 2003.

     My colleagues and I, in conjunction with the County Executive, realizing the important of ECC in our community, set out to fix this. In March of last year, the Legislature approved a measure giving the College complete autonomy over purchasing, personnel and contract approval for contracts under $50,000.

     Without being too dramatic, it was an historic moment in Erie County. The push for ECC autonomy had existed since the early 1970s, and with that important piece of the puzzle in place, the first step toward re-accreditation had been taken. Last week's announcement by the Middle States Commission was an exclamation point to a great effort by many in our community.

     Having been a legislator for a number of years, I am particularly pleased to see the fruits of our efforts. I have met so many families in our community whose lives have been positively influenced by Erie Community College. For this great success, I congratulate the ECC Board of Trustees, the faculty of the College, and the great students for whom this institution exists.

     In the Legislature, my goal has consistently been to find better ways to operate Erie County government. Which means not only providing better services for residents, but providing them at a lower cost to taxpayers. Working to give ECC autonomy not only makes the school a better learning institution for students, but takes away the responsibility of governing the College from Erie County government, and thus, taxpayers. Erie County still remains the sponsor for ECC, but the institution is free to manage itself - run by professionals in the educational field who have expertise in optimizing resources and opportunities.

     Even as we work to correct the problems of the past and look toward the future of ECC, our community is demonstrating the necessity and importance of our community college through enrollment. The Board of Trustees reports that ECC's student population is up eight percent (8%) from the spring semester of 2003, and is the highest for a spring semester since 1994. It's a strong indication of what ECC means to generation after generation in our region.

     While decisions about the future of the three Erie Community College campuses are discussed and pondered, it is refreshing to see great progress in ensuring that, no matter what direction is taken, there is promise for a strong and successful future.