Your Two Cents: Does Bryant University Give Enough Back to Smithfield?

Bryant University appears to have (PILOT) to Smithfield with a new lobbyist.

Robert Goldberg, attorney and former state senator, also works for GTECH, CVS Caremark, Johnson & Wales and FedEx. He was named among the most powerful people in RI in 2010 by RI Monthly.

Smithfield officials have been pushing for a new agreement with an increased PILOT for the last six years, to no avail. Bryant's President Ronald Machtley opposes what he refers to as a tax on an educational institution, according to the Valley Breeze. He says the university already compensates the town adequately with in-kind services. But a bill introduced by Sen. Stephen Archambault's (D-Smithfield, Johnston, N. Prov.) would force Bryant to renegotiate or face a tax bill at the university's full assessed value - which could result in millions of dollars in tax revenue for the town.

Recently, Brown University and Providence College have each pledged to increase their payments to Providence to aid that city in its deficit struggles.

Locally, Smithfield Superintendent Robert O’Brien is asking the town to increase taxes to the mandated 4 percent cap to prevent laying off about 18 teachers next year. 

So, what do you think? Should Bryant contribute more to Smithfield's services? Tell us in the comments.