"Dr. Wilcox has a point," you say. "We're one of the town's major employers."
You know how Manish would respond to that: the college will drive businesses out of downtown if it moves in.
Well, Manish isn't here. He doesn't have to know you support the college's expansion.
"The relationship is mutual," Dr. Ellison says. "We depend in part on the town's support just as they in part depend on the money we bring in."
"I know we're academics, but I bet this is more than an academic discussion," Darcy drawls.
"Right you are, Dr. Bozeman. The college has asked for a faculty member to meet with the town councilperson who handles matters involving Winfield Phillips and report back to the working group that is dealing with the Billington Future project."
Get in between the college and the town? That sounds like a nightmare assignment.
"I've nominated you to be that faculty member, Dr. .."