Though he is an acclaimed candidate, the Tribune is pleased to endorse Nicholas Drew for the position of vice-president finance and operations.

Drew, who was encouraged to run by current VP Finance and Operations Jose Díaz, seems ready to build on Díaz’s accomplishments. Díaz revitalized Gert’s this year, getting more people into the bar by serving fries and pizza at night and holding successful events throughout the year. Drew is enthusiastic about the contest to redesign Gert’s, which he hopes will draw in more students, and is considering hiring a marketing consultant for the bar.

Last month, Díaz also made the long-overdue decision to shut down Haven Books, the Students’ Society’s financial sinkhole of a bookstore. Drew, who supported Díaz’s decision, says he’s interested in starting a book bazaar to replace Haven Books, which could be held in the Shatner Building’s ballroom. An online service is another possibility.

Drew will bring both business and political experience to his portfolio next year. He served on the Management Undergraduate Society executive this year as its representative to SSMU. While he hasn’t been active at SSMU Council meetings, Drew sits on both the Clubs and Services and the Operations Committee, which should give him a solid grounding in SSMU politics. He’s also a bilingual Montrealer, which is always a plus for an executive.

Díaz has done an excellent job on the financial side of his portfolio as well this year; his conservative budgeting has left the Students’ Society with current surplus of approximately $80,000. We hope Drew will continue Díaz’s competent management of the portfolio.