Aronberg agrees with Kalkanis, asserting, "I don't think that there are any 'joke candidates.'"

Although no one has formally announced plans to run for the council chair, four current delegates are considered to be possible contenders: Dave Aronberg, last spring's vice-chair; Kalkanis, former co-chair of the academics committee; Alliric Willis '92, former treasurer; and Wayne Yu '92.

Many of the campaign posters employ a high-impact approach, emphasizing name-recognition over examination of the issues. Often, incumbents use a combination of humor and a resume-style sampler of past council experience.

"The most effective position papers in the past have been the most eyecatching posters," says Aronberg. "It's not because the candidates take it as a joke, but rather it is more effective."

Many candidates--including all six from North House--employ a very simple and direct style in their postering with simple "Vote for ..." messages followed up by more personal and substantive door-to-door campaigning.

"I think incumbents are counting on personal experience with the voters," sasy Aronberg.

Most candidates seem to be stressing the importance of communication between the council and the student body. This emphasis, many argue, could restore some credibility to the student government that is frequently criticized as ineffectual and, at times, incompetent.

"I pledge to table weekly in the dining hall to notify you of the the council's activities and try to help to solve any problems you might have," Winthrop House's Duncan states in his position paper.

In general, however, candidates have been supportive of the council, and have not resorted to attacks on incumbents as in previous years, according to Rhew.

"None of them seemed to be criticizing the previous council which is indicative of the fact that people are satisfied," Rhew explains.

A few candidates, however, did slam last year's council for its shortcomings.

Jacinda Townsend '92 of Cabot House attacks the council for doing an inadequate job of planning campus social events, writing of "the spring concert that never was, the spring fling weekend that almost wasn't, and the toga party that might as well not have been."

The council was unable to organize the traditional spring concert last year after plans for the group Living Colour to play on campus fell through.

Some candidates seem to have big changes in mind. Vladimir Ragulin of Adams House, for example, proposed "a discussion on the future of the council. Either it is going to change, or we don't need it."

Other candidates--most typically first-years--employed more direct methods to attract voters' attentions.