Economist Milton Friedman stated, "The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem." The State College Borough Council is trying to create a solution to a perceived problem instead of allowing the free market to function.

This time around, unlike with the Catholic Student Center, the political machine is bluntly stating what they believe is the problem: students. Through their politicking, the State College Czars deprive business opportunities and treat students as second-class citizens.

Instead of promoting community through a religious center, they attempt to zone it away.

Instead of providing safety through a physical deterrent using police officers, they purchase cameras with Penn State to invade privacy, waste taxpayer dollars and to gather evidence instead of being proactive.

If the council desires to improve commercial opportunities, they should alleviate government intervention, such as the business privilege tax.

The council should note that high taxes are the factor driving businesses outside of the borough limits; not students. If anything, students represent an excellent market for businesses.

For four years I heard the buzz words "community" and "tradition." If members of the council and the Penn State administration desire to "build community" and "preserve tradition" they need to start doing the walk. Park and College avenues are streets, not barriers. Students are valuable, contributing members of the community.

Perhaps to prevent whatever problems caused by students in State College the politicians and administrators should try to make the community actually mean something more to the student body.