The Tribune endorses Zhi Zhen Qin for the position of VP Finance and Operations. We admire her concrete platform and her willingness to continue many of the current VP’s initiatives, including the student-run cafe and SSMU marketplace. Given the obvious student support for the student-run cafe, it would be a shame if next year’s VP Finance and Operations didn’t share this priority. She has a firm understanding of the work that will be required to bring the cafe to fruition. Her interest in developing ethical investment policies will also be relevant in the coming year.

Zhi Zhen Qin also recognizes some of the financial failures of SSMU—notably Haven Books—and understands the risks involved in launching new initiatives.

She understands issues that many clubs face in acquiring funding: many students are either unaware of financial opportunities at SSMU or are unaware of SSMU in general. Her focus on reaching out to clubs will undoubtedly make her a strong VP. In addition, we hope she continues Patel’s initiative of holding office hours.

While we weren’t impressed by her performance at the debates last week, most of the work of the VP is behind-the-scenes. We’re confident that she can grow into her speaking role with more experience at SSMU Council.