He has no objection to Harvard's proposed conversion of 700 apartment units into University affiliated housing and feels preservation efforts must be tempered with common sense.

"I like the idea of preservation, but I also like the idea of progress," he says.

Barbara J. Pilgrim, 53, says she will "speak for the unspoken" if elected to the council.

Pilgrim supports plans to subsidize rents for low-income residents and attract a large grocery store to the Cambridgeport neighborhood.

"I stand for a sound city government, strong and stable, to protect everyone," Pilgrim says.

Pilgrim says she has worked to save funding for Head Start during recent periods of federal cutbacks. She also feels the city must work to improve the moral and spiritual lives of Cambridge youngsters by funding neighborhood and community centers.

Pilgrim says she supports the preservation of historic buildings in Harvard Square and would oppose efforts by Harvard to establish more affiliated housing units in Cambridge.

Kenneth E. Reeves '72, 45, says affordable housing is the biggest issue looming before the council.

The current mayor, Reeves says he supports the city's $10 Million Plan, which would use increased property tax revenues from the abolition of rent control to subsidize low- and moderate-income housing.

Reeves, who as mayor was also ex-officio chair of the Cambridge School Committee, says he is proud of his efforts to enhance the schools' math and science curriculum and to establish a partnership between the school district and local businesses.

He says he would like to maintain adequate funding for the Cambridge Hospital, encourage "unifying cultural and ethnic celebrations" and revitalize Central Square.

Of the debate of Harvard Square, Reeves says he sees the need to "strike a balance" between preservation of historic buildings and new developments.

He opposes Harvard's plans to withdraw apartment units from the real estate market and feels Harvard "must recognize its role as a member of the community."

Sheila T. Russell, 60, says her two main issues are fighting crime and increasing city services for senior citizens.

Russell, who has served on the council since 1985, says she played a major role in the construction of the city's senior citizen center in Central Square, which will open its doors this afternoon.