Kamil E. Redmond '00, who attends Ivy Councilmeetings, agrees with Schwartz, enthusiasticallyendorsing the Ivy Council as a "forum for thedifferent voices to student government to cometogether."

But even Redmond admits that $1,000 might be abit much for the council to allot.

"I think we should pare down the number of IvyCouncil representatives," says Redmond, who is aCrimson editor. "I think $500 is a reasonableamount to spend."

Looking to the Future

While council members hardly ever agree onpolicy, members agree that their studentgovernment is in need of reform.

Council downsizing is one answer--some believea smaller council would promote greater individualresponsibility and increase effectiveness.

"It's impossible to sustain the attention of 90people," Stewart says. "Such a large councilcreates a general atmosphere of apathy. A smallercouncil has more of a role for everyone."

A constitution amendment to downsize thecouncil in the fall failed because some membersfelt the council's most active members often didnot receive the most votes.

Others stress increased communication betweencouncil members and their constituents, includingregular tabling in dining halls and pollingstudents on controversial issues.

"It's all about outreach," Schwartz says. Hesays that the council should more often poll itsconstituents as it did to determine how to spendmoney for Springfest, after Sister Hazel pulledout of its commitment to play.

"What's the [council] afraid of in gettingstudent opinion?" he asks.

Others say the council will only gaincredibility when more undergraduates enter"ucvote" at their fas prompts during electiontime.

"Massive amounts of work needs to be done toincrease the popularity of the fall elections,"says former council President Lamelle D. Rawlins'99.

Of course, observers say the commitment levelsof the council will always fluctuate, greatlydepending on the hot-button issues each semester.

Some, like Kathleen E. Campbell '00, who leftthe council after joining as a first-year, saythey would join again for the chance to work onstudent services.