"I think it's on the right track," he said. "I think general elections for president will definitely help. It just needs more of the right people to be involved."
Those interviewed said the council's improved image was particularly reflected in increased enthusiasm by first-years.
"A lot of the freshmen who spoke to upperclassmen didn't hear those same things about the horror of joining the U.C.," Bharti said. "They seem to be getting a lot more positive feedback from people they've been speaking to."
The Races
For the second year in a row, Cabot will be the most competitive house. Eleven candidates have signed up to run, including presidential contender and outgoing Vice President Justin C. Label '97.
Feeney, the only other declared presidential hopeful, is all but assured of a seat.
There are only five candidates running for the five seats in his Lowell House district.
But for now, the candidates said they're focusing on the home districts rather than on getting the edge in internal council battles.
PUCC in particular plans to run a largely decentralized campaign, its leaders said.
Members said they would try to encourage town meetings in all houses where PUCC candidates are running. That would allow the group to explain its goals and pique interest in the council among residents.
Voting for council representatives will take place October 3-6 in College dining halls.
The council is still exploring the possibility of allowing first-years to cast their votes on-line. The Harvard Computer Society has already designed a system that would allow first-years to do so. A decision on the use of that system should come from the Dean of Student's Office this week, according to Eric M. Silberstein '98, a member who is helping to oversee the general election.
Races will be determined by the hare proportional system, a complex counting scheme also employed by the Cambridge City Council.
The victors' names will be available as soon as Saturday, October 7, according to Silberstein. The council's first meeting is October 8