So where does the confusion come from? My best explanation is that the confusion stems from misunderstanding and the saturation of one-sided arguments that were quoted in previous issues of campus publications. Secondly, wrong or incomplete information has created the illusion of violations where none ever existed. The purpose of the audit was not to vindicate us, nor to punish us. The intent of the audit was to truthfully get to the bottom of all of the allegations. In previous pieces published in The Crimson, opposing campaign members have lost the "truth-seeking" spirit. There was a reference to the Harvard University Mail Service (HUMS) Web site. The Web site also says that mail services are decentralized and that authority rests with the heads of the individual mail centers, and not with HUMS, which is in Allston. We did not personally stuff first-year mailboxes. The HYMC staff placed the letters in the mailboxes for us. Another source of confusion was the varied responses given by members of the commission, due in part to the hastiness of the final night of elections. Election Commissioner David I. Levy '00, who initially reported to The Crimson that we overspent, corrected his statement the next day.

As we approach a new semester, we are ready to hit the ground running and to hold true to our campaign promises. In the months to come, expect to see a more visible council. Even though our first meeting is not until Feb. 6, 2000, all council members have already signed up to work on specific projects that interest them. This is something that has never been done before and will create the new level of accountability that will help us prepare for the future, smaller council. Big projects lined up throughout the spring will furnish better services for the student body. The Harvard Census 2000 will allow us to assess what students really think about Harvard and will provide leverage when addressing those concerns with the administration. A new on-line book-ordering program will potentially save the student body thousands of dollars this semester. The First-Year Formal will be absolutely exquisite. And creative, new campus-wide social events promise to spice up campus life and to boost school spirit.

A new semester brings many new beginnings, particularly a newly elected administration. We, as a council, must begin the spring term with a commitment to work together, pressing on toward future goals. The student body has overwhelmingly supported a vision and the two candidates that will take the council in a new direction. Let us embrace that vision together and take this college to the next level.

Fentrice D. Driskell '01

Jan. 20, 2000

The writer is the newly elected president of the Undergraduate Council.