By Joan Creaser
Saving students’ money is the main theme in this year’s Vice-president Operations and Finance election. The VP Op-Fi is responsible for monitoring Students’ Union expenditures, proposing expenditures (i.e. fees and levies for student associations) and for setting up the following year’s budget. While saving is the common denominator, where and what money should be saved differs for each of the four candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring for this race.
Current VP Op-Fi Amanda Affonso is running again to maintain continuity regarding such large projects as MacEwan Hall expansion and the pursuit of charitable status for the SU. She also wants to put money back in students’
pockets.
"I want to allocate more SU money to Academic Travel and Conference funding, instead of increasing the levies," said Affonso. "I also want to increase the return commission at the used bookstore from 80 per cent to 90 per cent."
Mike Bradshaw sees a lot of room for change in the SU and the Op-Fi commission. His main focus is on residence and clubs issues, but he also wants to see changes in student fees.
"I don’t want increases in the medical and dental plan," said Bradshaw. "I also want to put club delegates on the Clubs Committee to give clubs an official voice on
campus."
For residence, Bradshaw wants to see an increase in security measures for on-campus students.
Paul Newman’s plan for the Op-Fi Commission includes removing the expansion levy until the university actually begins to break sod. He also has issues regarding the operation of the SU and the Students’ Legislative Council.
"The VP Op-Fi has a strong say in the budget," said Newman. "I want to see more time in SLC devoted to student issues and more of the budget dedicated to student events."
Allan Adrian "Spike" Wolfleg envisions a continuation of current Op-Fi projects, but has two specific projects he would like to work on.
"I want to see more funding allocations for students and clubs," he said. His second change involves lowering food prices in the Residence Dining Centre.