Davis, in what council members described as an impassioned and well thought-out speech, argued that it was the council's role to amplify the voice of the student body, not create it.

"Brad was very passionate about the issue," said council representative John Paul Rollert '00. "He distilled a lot of thoughts that a lot of people had and put them into a very compelling speech."

While the decision before the council ostensibly concerned an increase in the fees that the council collects from students, Davis argued it was no less than a decision about the role of the council itself.

That decision--between a small council presence and the larger (though more expensive) one proposed by Seton--should properly be decided by students, according to Davis. Davis said he nevertheless personally supports the increase.

"Whether that's a smaller role, or an expanded role, that's the decision of the student body at large," Davis said.

Davis' attempt to refer the term bill decision to the student body was hamstrung by council procedure from the very start. He was not allowed to present his motion initially because he is not a council member.

However, during the meeting, Adams House representative Justin A. Barkley '02 offered to attach his name to the motion so that Davis would have an opportunity to present it.

"I may disagree with what you have to say," Barkley quoted, "but I will defend, to the death, your right to say it."