Allocating $500,000 of the student activity fee is the primary task of the financial vice president. With the progress made this year, the position will require experience to continue the successes made this year. Senator Jamie Nichols’ experience as a two-year member of the finance committee has prepared her to best serve the University in this position next year. She has seen both sides of the funding process, which will allow her to work with CSOs throughout the funding process, avoid pitfalls and create an expedited but productive process. With the finance committee losing several key members, Nichols’ experience will serve as an indispensable link between the current committee and next year’s. Nichols’ experience trumps the potential her opponent may have to fill this position.The administration has called upon SGA to work with them to raise funds for large projects such as the Simon Rec Center renovation, and Nichols’ current work with the finance committee, especially organizing the spring phone-a-thon for the Rec Center prove her capabilities. Adding additional responsibilities makes first-hand knowledge of the current tasks more important.Senator Chris Pingel is an articulate individual and has managed the budget of several large CSOs, namely the Great Issues Committee and Relay for Life. However, his lack of experience on the other side of the funding process will make it difficult for him to establish continuity in the position from this year to next, even though he has extensive experience in other areas of SGA. There is no doubt Pingel has the ability to think critically, and internship and outside experience have given him a new perspective on the position. Pingel demonstrates knowledge of the constitutional rules of the funding process, but there is a learning curve in moving from theory to practice. Pingel would serve the Saint Louis University community well to re-apply for Senate in the fall and serve as a member of the finance committee. His intelligence and communication are important, and Nichols and her committee would benefit with his presence.