This New England

This is a passionate plug for Bryant University's World Trade Day, Thursday, May 21, at the university's Smithfield, R.I., campus. Policy experts, scholars, business leaders and government leaders will talk about the world economic crisis and its effects on world trade this year and beyond.

This annual event is always useful and interesting. It should be especially so this year. New England, of course, benefits much -- directly and indirectly -- from world trade, especially on high-value-added exports. Now if we'd just do more with our grossly under-used ports....

For more information, email jproulx@bryant.edu and/or call (401) 232-6242.

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Friday, May 15, is Bike to Work Day and I expect thousands of people to do their part that day in reducing oil imports from our "allies'' in Saudi Arabia while getting some much needed exercise.

While they're commuting through the spring air, I hope that the bikers think about lobbying public officials to add more bike lanes to our roads. (That isn't to say that we don't need more passenger rail lines, too).

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New England colleges are under increasing pressure from cash-strapped municipalities to make payments in lieu of taxes. The amount of tax-exempt land held by such institutions is large and growing in New England's cities. Something's gotta give.

So Worcester Polytechnic Institute is making a $270,000 gift this year (along with the $180,000 in real-estate taxes it already pays) and the new payments will rise 2.5 percent a year during 25 years. It is most fitting that the money will go to the Worcester Public Library (and Institute Park). A university helping a public library. Quite right! The missions meet.

 Tags  Bike to Work Worcester Public Library World Trade Day; Bryant University WPI

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