The candidates in the Undergraduate Council's first campus-wide election for its president and vice president met face-to-face last night at a debate hosted by the Harvard Political Union (HPU) at the Institute of Politics.

The 11 presidential and four vice presidential candidates spoke for 90 minutes before an animated crowd of about 150 students. The audience was composed largely of council representatives past and present, members of the HPU and candidate supporters.

Presidential candidates gave opening speeches followed by a period of questions posed by the audience and moderator and each presidential candidate's closing comments.

Some candidates emphasized their position on legislative issues in their speeches, while others spoke about their leadership experience and their reform of council structure.

Candidate Joseph G. Cleemann '98 said the council needs to spearhead a movement for social issues.

"The U.C. needs to be militant in some respects. We can embarrass the school and the nation. Let's stop talking about dances and who knows what," he said.

On the other side of the spectrum, John J. Appelbaum '97 said student services are far more important than social issues.

"We've allowed the U.C. to become a debating club," said Appelbaum.

"We're too busy playing God to get shuttle buses for spring break. Mr. Cleemann says we need to embarrass Harvard--we've already embarrassed Harvard," he said.

Michael R. Petitpas '95-'97 emphasized his long experience and status as an outsider.

"I have no interest in politicking and backbiting. I can't run again, I have no favorites to play," said Petitpas.

Matthew B. Bakal '97 is also something of an outsider, not having served on the council since his first year at Harvard. Bakal emphasized his combination of experience and fresh ideas.

"I'm the outsider's insider. I've thought a lot about the UC--I'm pissed. I've got bitterness," said Bakal.

"No more playing politics. The campus is going to be a more quality place to live," he said.

Then there were those who emphasized their experience.

Candidate Rudd W. Coffey '97 noted that he has served the longest on the council.

"I bring experience. It's been three long, very tiring years," said Coffey. "But as a leader, I wove together a diverse group of people and built a strong team."

"I am about hard work and dedication," Coffey added. "At events, I'm there before clearing chairs and mopping up at the end."

Robert M. Hyman '98-'97 is seeking re-election as president.

"Who'd have thought we'd be having a debate tonight over issues?" said Hyman.

Candidate Benjamin R. Kaplan '99-'98, who is a Crimson editor, put emphasis on a basic level of reform.

"The council is like a sailboat. Everyone is busy getting a new paint-job, a new mast. We need to be concerned with the integrity of the sailboat," said Kaplan.

There needs to be a change in the way council legislation is promoted, said Edward B. Smith III '97.

"I have a different vision that I want to put through," Smith said.

"We need to be more responsible dealing with legislation. It must be a careful and thorough process," he said.

Alissa S. Brotman '97 said her basic goal is equality.

"There are some traditions at Harvard that should no longer be honored. My leadership would underscore the need for continued progress," she said.

The V.P. Candidates

Vice presidential candidates were given one minute each to speak and then answered questions from the audience.

Elizabeth A. Haynes '98 said the council needs an ombudsperson, and that she could best serve that role as vice president.

Tally Zingher '99 called for "channeling student concerns through appropriate channels."

Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, who is running on a ticket with Hyman, said that although the council isn't perfect, "the point is we're going in the right direction."

Candidate Christopher R. McFadden '97, who is a Crimson executive, announced his withdrawal from the race at the debate.

McFadden criticized the council for "playing politics with the time and trust of the students," but then said "if the campaign does any good, if it offers any services, then this campaign will not have been in vain."

The debate was moderated by William B. Zerhouni '97 and Robert B. Wolinsky '97 of the HPU. Wolinsky is also a council member