What will happen to the flagship?

During January’s State of the State address, Governor Spitzer announced plans to make Stony Brook a “flagship campus” in the SUNY system for higher education. Now three months later, Spitzer is entangled in a prostitution ring and faces resignation.

If Spitzer is forced to resign, Stony Brook’s flagship status could suffer.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Felix Secbalos, a Stony Brook student. “It hurts because he was trying to take Stony Brook to the next level and build a strong reputation as an ethical politician. But he is still a politician.” Secbalos hopes the university will still achieve its flagship status even if the governor resigns.

As Attorney General, Spitzer vowed to prosecute more violent crimes. He is responsible for breaking up two prostitution rings during his reign and harshly criticizing those involved.

Many students don’t think the university should worry. “I don’t think it will affect Stony Brook,” said Meagan Bordon. “But it doesn’t look good for our state. It’s pretty crazy for someone with so much political power to do something so stupid.”

The governor openly apologized to his family and constituents yesterday in a press conference. “I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better.”

Still others feel Spitzer did not cross the line. “They all do bad stuff,” said Sandra Rizkitz, a junior. “Some get caught some don’t.” Rizkitz does not think Spitzer should be forced out of office.

Bordon disagrees. “Its kind of a big deal,” said Bordon. “It’s such a silly thing to get caught on.” She believes the governor should resign.

If Spitzer does resign, Lieutenant Governor, David Paterson, would step into the role of Governor until the next election. Paterson would be the first African-American to hold position of Governor. He is legally blind

Still other students sympathize with the escorts of the Emperor’s Club V.I.P., the high-end escort service involved in the scandal. “In some parts of the world, people have no ability to make money,” said Hee Sang, a freshmen at Suffolk Community College. “They must expose their instincts by other methods.”