A long standing advocate for senior citizens, Russell also co-founded the North Cambridge Crime Task Force and supports community policing and maintenance of city parks, schools and streets.

"When feasible, we should protect, but we must be practical as well," Russell says, speaking on the preservation of historic buildings.

Of the controversy over Harvard housing, Russell says that current tenants living in University-owned housing should be granted exemptions from any large rent increases.

"I'm concerned about the displacement of residents and would like to see more protection extended to them," Russell says.

Jon Spampinato, 27, says he is the only candidate from Cambridgeport who supports the need for a grocery store in the area.

As a gay Republican, Spampinato says he is also "the only candidate in the race who is fiscally conservative, but socially liberal."

Although he says he is ardently "pro-development," Spampinato admits that developers have to be flexible in their plans, especially in historical and residential areas around Harvard Square.

"In a residential area, where businesses are located, it is important for the City Council to make sure that it listens to neighbors," says Spampinato, who works for the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment.

Spampinato says the three main issues currently facing Cambridge are the need for more job creation, more economic development and the need to cut the city budget.

Incumbent Councillor Michael A. Sullivan says that four main issues now face the council: crime, the city's budget, affordable housing and economic development.

"The city needs a real community policing program," Sullivan says. "We all have to work together."

Sullivan adds that he hopes Harvard Square developers will try to retain the area's vitality, even if they must tear down some of the old buildings.

"It is not the same place that it was, but it is still a vibrant place," Sullivan says.

And Sullivan says he sympathizes with the Sheraton Commander owners who wish to build the parking lot.

"There needs to be more parking in that neighborhood," Sullivan says.