With the gloom and doom state budget already presented, there are several unique opportunities which do not raise taxes, cut education or cause layoffs.

One such opportunity is the multiple contract requirement for construction work on public buildings, also known as the Wicks Law. Governor Paterson proposes to release schools from this requirement to raise the threshold for avoiding this wasteful practice to $10 million for New York City, while leaving the suburban New York counties at $1.5 million, and $500,000 for the rest of the state. This threshold differential makes no sense and is particularly insulting to upstate. Why exempt only schools? If it is a waste of money for school districts, then it is a waste of money for everyone. The whole thing should be repealed - for everyone.

A second item included in the Executive Budget would allow SUNY and CUNY to award contracts by utilizing alternate modern procurement methods for capital projects. Once again, this would save money, but why limit it to two state agencies? If there are cost savings, why not have that benefit apply to all governments?

With the enormity of the state deficit, it can no longer be “business as usual.” Architects develop the specifications for capital projects and we know that the existing statutory requirements waste money. Simple changes such as these can result in savings for the ultimate consumer - the taxpayer.

Edward C. Farrell

Albany

Farrell is executive director of

the American Institute of Architects