ROCKFORD—Business and political leaders in Illinois’ second largest city are agreeing with state officials in asking NIU to reconsider locating a graduate studies center on the city’s eastern boundaries.

However, if it comes down to getting NIU on the east side or not getting NIU at all, Rockford leaders are more than ready to welcome the chosen East State Street location.

Outgoing Gov. James Thompson, who still is holding onto $500,000 of state money earmarked for the center, said the state has given considerable money to rehabilitate Rockford’s downtown. The state, like the Rockford City Council, wants to see NIU part of Rockford’s urban rebirth.

Beth Bosch, assistant press secretary for Thompson, said the governor made his preference for a downtown site known almost two years ago.

For Rockford Mayor Charles Box, NIU’s site choice is a disappointment, but he said he is willing to work with NIU to make the center a reality.

“It’s been my position all along that the branch should be located here (downtown),” Box said. “Obviously, his (NIU President John La Tourette) choice was not my choice.”

However, Box said he called Thompson when he heard the funds were being withheld.

“I’ve given my sales pitch to the governor. I’ve asked for reconsideration,” Box said. Box said he thinks there is a good chance Thompson will release the money.

Although some aldermen have been vocal on NIU’s choice, Box said the Rockford City Council will not take an official stance on the East State Street location. This should please La Tourette, who said Friday there already are “too many irons in the fire” concerning the center.

Tref Harnois, president of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Council of 100, a Rockford business leaders’ group, said he will continue to back the project. Harnois said he feels continued letters of support mean everything for a city that needs public higher education—regardless of the location.

“I think it’s vitally important to continue economic growth and development,” Harnois said. “I will continue to be supportive to move this project along. We want the school to come to town.”

Harnois said NIU should be able to choose its own site because no one knows better than school officials what place would function best.

“I would hate to see education coming to Rockford falter,” he said. “We are very interested.”