'An Elusive Quality'

And, says candidate Edward N. Cyr, "Leadership is an elusive quality. It's not transferable--you can't just assume that there's a Vellucci role out there."

At the other end of the spectrum is an array of Independent candidates, including four incumbents and former councillor Alfred W. LaRosa.

Some, like Vellucci, see themselves as progressives but do not want to ally themselves to a slate. Others are more conservative--they oppose placing limits on development and favor rent control revisions.

Unlike the CCA and Rainbow--which are waging citywide campaigns--Independent councillors tend to rely on strong support from neighborhood constituencies. But in recent years, Independent Councillors Thomas W. Danehy and Sheila T. Russell are campaigning farther afield.

Meanwhile, Councillor William H. Walsh is an independent of a different sort. A real estate lawyer who is the council's most vocal critic of rent control. Walsh has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for business transactions with several city officials. And while he is not being accused of illegal activity. liberal groups like the CCA have been quick to question the propriety of his business dealings.

Walsh, for his part, has barraged the local media with letters that are often as intent on levelling blasts at rivals in the council race as in defending his actions.

"I'm being aggressive because I'm being treated aggressively," says Walsh. "If anyone is going to attack me and try to smear me. I'm going to respond."

Walsh's opponents charge that his aggressive style is simply headling-grabbing that evades substantive issues like rent control and overdevelopment.

"The traditional Independents try to avoid those issues by focusing on constituent services," says CCA Executive Director Noah M. Berger '89. "Walsh seems to try to avoid those issues by CCA bashing."

But headline-grabbing has always been part of Walsh's style. In 1987, he offered to debate the entire CCA slate at once--a challenge he says stands in this election, as well:

"That offer is open to them anytime, anyplace and anywhere," he says.

Courting the Silent Majority

Meanwhile, one candidate says he is not concerned by unusual nature of this year's election. For Councillor Walter J. Sullivan, the longest serving member after Vellucci, the 1989 council race is just like any other. And he's been the city's top vote-getter in nearly every election.

At first glance, Sullivan seems a strange choice for Cambridge's most popular political figure. He hates making speeches and has been known to go to council meetings for weeks on end without ever opening his mouth.