Jason Smith, former finance committee chair, has replaced David Foxx as student body treasurer, and while he only has 50 days before a new, elected treasurer will take the office, Smith said he is taking the position very seriously.

“Treasurer is an important role in Student Government,” Smith said. “I’mhere to make sure the treasury remains strong and that we are financiallyand fiscally sound.”

Foxx, a senior in political science, announced his resignation at the Student Senate meeting Jan. 30, and the student body constitution requires that the finance committee chair take the treasurer’s place if he or she leaves the office.

According to Foxx, he left the office to attend to “other pressing engagements.”

Foxx said Smith is a suitable replacement.

“Jason will make a good [treasurer],” Foxx said. “He’s veryprodigious… he comes from a finance background, and it’s going to be hard for him to mess up.”

Smith said he has worked with several committees and has had years ofexperience with budgeting and running operations.

“I feel like I’m well-qualified [for the position of treasurer],” Smithsaid. “I owned a business for a short period of time… and I’m anex-officio of the Finance, Appropriations and Personnel Committees.”

Greg Doucette, Student Senate president, found Smith’s experience in finances impressive and said he is highly qualified for the job.

“I think he’s insane, but in a good way,” Doucette, a senior in computer science, said. “He’s very adept with finances. He told me about his financial background – for instance, he owned a business and was making more money than I’ve made in my 27 years.”

“Of all people who [could be treasurer], from a financial aspect, he’s one of the most qualified people,” Doucette said.

Doucette said that the transition to treasurer could be difficult for Smith.

“Everything is fine so far, I didn’t know who to replace him as the finance chair,” Doucette said. “I usually have an idea of who I want for replacements of cabinet members… He replaced Adam [Compton] as finance chair… but we found a replacement for Jason [Tuesday].”

According to Smith, he is not interested in keeping the treasurer position after the general elections and he will instead try to be the Finance Committee Chair again.

“I have no political aspirations,” Smith said. “I have no interest inhigher office.”

He said he is excited about his new position and wants input from students.

“I would like to extend a formal invitation to anyone in the student bodyto come talk to me about [finance and Student Government],” Smith said.