Open Letter To Governor Crist

You may have seen that The Ledger reported today, on a potential veto for the USF School of Pharmacy.  It is scary that the Governor chooses a fully vetted state priority to try to make an example of.

Obviously as an employee of USF Polytechnic, this matter is close to my heart. Though you can read my letter to the Governor below as to how else I view his fork in the road.

I would like to ask each of you reading to join with me in asking the Governor to support the budget for construction and operation of USF Polytechnic, including the USF School of Pharmacy. USFP wants to make sure your voice is heard. I am attaching a template you can use to ensure it is addressed correctly and includes the important points of support for USF Polytechnic.

Dear Governor Crist,

My name is Aaron J. Bates. I am resident and registered voter in Lakeland, Florida, as well as a

husband,father of 3, serial optimist and entrepreneur. Also, I am an alum, current employee and future grad student of the University of South Florida Polytechnic campus. At USFP, I am the Business Development Manager for the Blue Sky Business Incubation program. The Blue Sky program is eminently becoming the heart of USFP because it embodies the applied learning tenants that are critical to the polytechnic model.

With the signing of the bill in 2008, you created USFP as Florida’s first and only public polytechnic university, you successful ignited the opportunity for the greatest economic development project our region has seen in a generation. What you have set in motion has developed into a unique model of economic development and education; and so it is with great conviction that I ask you to fully support the legislative budget allocations, for operations and construction of the new buildings, for the University of South Florida Polytechnic campus and the USF School of Pharmacy.

As a fourth generation Polk County Citizen, I understand the opportunities and threats for the children who have grown up here. For many, they are unable to see past the lure of simple high school graduation and do

not even consider going to college. We must raise the bar of expectation, so they can raise their own bar of motivation. This regional priority will literal change the game for our communities and enable us to be a great example of the “New Florida� agenda. This new campus will allow our region to prepare itself for its piece of the state puzzle so that our citizens can compete in the global economy.

My mother, whom I deeply respect, often says, “Without consequence there is no action!” Whether good or bad, there are always consequences. I hope you truly consider all consequences surrounding this vetted priority and ask  you to ensure the prosperity of my children’s and their children’s generations, by signing the budgeted items of USF Polytechnic and the USF School of Pharmacy.

Thank you for your time and genuine consideration. I hope that we can count on you. Good luck, may God bless you and GO BULLS!

Most sincerely,

Aaron J. Bates

Husband, Father, Entrepreneur

USFP Alum, Staff and Prospective Grad Student

Special thanks to the following organizations for supporting USFP in this endeavor:

Lakeland Chamber

Freedom Development Group

Email me and I’ll post you or your company too.

Author: Aaron J Bates

Tags: Florida, Lakeland, lkld, no veto, Polk County, USF Polytechnic, USFP