FINANCIAL SUPPORTS: Smeets has strong vision for commission’s, students’ needs

The biggest problem with the Financial Supports Commission is
that its role is unclear to the student body and sometimes to the
commissioners themselves.

Ryan Smeets, who already has experience working within the
office, has a strong vision for the commission’s future.

A member of the Bruins United slate, Smeets should focus on
students’ financial needs and steer clear of slate politics.
Smeets needs to make sure the office’s visibility expands
beyond the Book Lending program and that he does not get
sidetracked from his other goals including becoming more involved
in advocacy.

Though some of Smeets’ goals, including the reworking of
the residential hall meal plans, will require cooperation from
other campus entities, his energy and spirit are valuable
assets.

Peter Bautista, who ran for the position as an independent last
year, changed his affiliation by joining the Student Power! slate
this time around, but his ideas still lack the enthusiasm necessary
to attract students.

While Bautista’s dedication to the office is admirable,
Smeets is determined to bring in outside scholarships to the campus
in order to alleviate the financial burden that students bear in
light of recent cuts to financial aid.

Aside from experience within the office, Smeets has experience
soliciting businesses and corporations. His vision of increasing
scholarships can turn into a successful new aspect of the
commission if it is utilized to its full capacity.