"By electing a running mate, the tendency is to want to push an agenda, maybe one that other council members don't want to work on," Kaplan said. "The president should be more of an arbitrator and a unifier."

Eli W. Bolotin '98 agreed, and said the atmosphere on the council needs to be changed.

"The way we don't want to go is where the bickering comes in. Ethan and I share the idea that we've got to lighten up," he said of himself and his running mate, Ethan Russell '98.

Philip R. Kaufman '98 said he wanted more social events and ser- ,vices. However, these changes can only come with a $5 increase in the council's term-bill fee, he said.

"I Know, I'm the first candidate ever to run on a tax increase," Kaufman joked.

Current Vice President Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, who is now running for president, said all the other candidates were simply co-opting her own positions.

"I'm pleased to see that many candidates seem to be picking up on many issues that I've been working on over the last year," Rawlins said. "Everyone who has followed the U.C. knows of my record in fighting for students."

Others emphasized their own unique qualifications for the job.

Presidential candidate Elizabeth A. Haynes '98 talked about her experience as a leader both inside and outside of the council.

"If you haven't been both panes of the glass, you don't know what it's like on either side," Haynes said.

Candidate William P. Pyonteck '00 said his main advantage was his total inexperience.

"I am a complete outsider. I am the only one who is truly open-minded," he said.

Like their presidential running mates, the vice presidential candidates also said they supported relevant student issues.

"The U.C. is kind of like a boxer. It's contending on all the student issues," said Selamawi H. Asgedom '99.

"I want to get bring students into the ring. Then we can start pounding, pounding out the issues," he continued, jabbing at the air with his fist for emphasis.

Russell agreed. Factionalism on the council makes it inefficient, he said.