Waterleaf or waterfall: COD priorities all wet

The DuPage community is rightly abuzz over the Governor's office cancelling a $20 million grant for a new classroom building at College of DuPage. It resulted from publication of President Robert Breuder's May 9 email to the COD Board detailing his machinations to get the $20 million that would make Machiavelli proud. But this is just the first public airing of a number of issues regarding spending and governance at COD that have been percolating during Breuder's five year tenure. One involves Waterleaf, the professionally run, French cuisine restaurant Breuder installed on campus. What business does a community college have using tax payer and tuition dollars to compete with local eateries? Why should anyone support such an un-educational enterprise that lost $576,000 in 2012. Waterleaf is so desperate it's reduced to advertising in the local church bulletin. Then there is The Waterfall installed by Breuder and the Board to beautify the campus. We're not talking about any waterfall, but a two million dollar extravaganza. Assuming the water is recycled it's not a waste of water, but sure is a waste of money. Meanwhile, last May, COD severed its 27 year association with the Buffalo Theater Ensemble, over its $80,000 annual shortfall in ticket revenue. This long time theatrical gem provided wonderful art for the community and good training for student cast and crew members.

A wise aphorism states that when looking for mis-management, 'just follow the money'. At COD it's 'just follow the water.'