McGill Tribune

In the past, the Tribune has been one of Turner's harshest critics. We were unimpressed with her performance as VP Internal last year, and endorsed her opponent RJ Kelford in the 2008 elections. This year, however, we've been pleasantly surprised by her performance as Students' Society President.

Each year, the vice-president clubs and services inherits a gargantuan portfolio that threatens to overwhelm even the most dedicated SSMUshie. Cook's greatest accomplishment this year has been staying on top of her challenging workload, while still remaining accessible to clubs and services that need guidance.

In a strong SSMU executive, Vice-President University Affairs Nadya Wilkinson has stood out as the strongest of the lot. The UA portfolio has been especially busy so far this year, and Wilkinson has handled the major crises-the implementation of a travel ban and the controversy surrounding McGill's ombudsperson-impressively.

We may be stretching the report card analogy too far, but the Tribune is awarding its first-ever grade of "W," as Silverstein is withdrawing from a "full-year course." Silverstein announced his resignation (effective January 2, 2009) in the second week of November, citing professional concerns with the portfolio.

The Tribune had high hopes for Alfaro this year, but we have yet to see any tangible progress made in the vice-president external portfolio. While Alfaro has been hamstrung by an unprecedented number of elections this semester, his campus initiatives have been uninspired.

Webster has been an articulate, pragmatic, and refreshing member of the executive this semester. She has had a great deal of success as SSMU's de facto party-planner. SSMU Frosh was a hit. Open Air Pub, a perennial Tribune staff favourite, was well-attended and hosted better bands.

When we weren't giggling and whispering with vice-presidents in the gallery, the Tribune paid enough attention at Council to award SSMU's legislative body a B+. The approval of the controversial pro-life club Choose Life was handled with maturity, and the Tribune congratulates Council for throwing out an attempt to pass the General Assembly motions omnibus.