NIU officials need to be wary of the upcoming elections and how it might affect their plans to expand in Rockford.

Officials from NIU and Rockford are examining 16 site proposals for an educational center in Rockford. Once the site is chosen, Gov. James Thompson is expected to release $500,000 for planning the center. It will offer mostly graduate-level courses.

But news reports out this week should put NIU on the lookout. In another educational matter, Thompson said he will veto the tax surcharge for municipalities and education so the next governor will have to make a decision—ensuring it to be an election issue. At the same time, Thompson reaffirmed his support for the surcharge.

The administration continually needs to reconfirm its support for the Rockford expansion as well as muster new supporters so similar political jockeying doesn’t push the expansion back any further.

NIU can do this by making sure there are enough votes in the legislature. They also can make sure everyone knows that NIU is waiting for the money that was promised. This is not new money being dished out.

The concerns are warranted. Thompson can use the Rockford extension as a poker chip as easily as the surtax. Thompson’s move shows educational rhetoric has come full circle with the surtax. NIU officials must make sure it doesn’t come through with Rockford.