Quoted In: Akron Eyes Sewage System Deal For Scholarships (Associated Press)

"Mayor Don Plusquellic has proposed leasing the city-owned sewage system to a private contractor for up to $200 million and using the money to finance college scholarships for Akron’s public high school graduates," the Associated Press reports. "It’s a novel idea, but the 100 city workers who run the sewage system oppose the plan and have forced the issue on the Nov. 4 ballot. Opponents fear privatizing public assets. Plusquellic’s plan is a twist on programs in other U.S. cities, including Kalamazoo, Mich., that offer scholarships to students with the hope that they eventually stay.

But the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators knows of no other program that leases a sewage system to pay for college scholarships. Justin Draeger, a spokesman for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, said the trade organization applauds any effort to increase the availability of money for college. Still, a 30-year residency requirement would be a little long, he said."

You can read the complete August 27, 2008 Associated Press article on-line.