Since the abolishment of rent control, a 25-year ordinance which observers say hampered Harvard's efforts to purchase property, the University has drawn fire for its recent proposal to convert some 600 apartment units owned by Harvard into student-affiliated housing.

Several candidates are concerned that the new development would lead to a influx of students and a destabilization of traditional neighborhoods within the city.

"Over half of Cambridge is in private hands, and to increase that...leaves us in a situation where there is less and less room for residents," council candidate Lester P. Lee Jr. said.

Campaign officials for candidate Spampinato said he will be focusing on securing increased police presence in Harvard Square and fighting proposed federal cuts in student financial aid.

Harvard students are joined by some 40,000 Cantabrigians on the voters' list. Students interested in voting must register no later than Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.

"Traditionally, there has not been a high turnout among Harvard students," said Cambridge Election Commission Executive Director Joseph H. Kaplan. "Hopefully this year will be different."