Matthew P. Zanotelli '02 has already won two elections at Harvard. Last year his Housemates voted him "the friendliest guy in Mather," and this fall, he nabbed a slot on the Undergraduate Council.

But despite only one semester of experience on the council and a running mate who just transferred to Harvard, Zanotelli is looking for a third victory, hoping to win the council's presidency.

To win, Zanotelli says, he and his vice presidential candidate, John F. Bash '03, have to convince students that their lack of experience in council politics is actually strength.

"We're two people bringing new ideas...leaving behind some of the lingering tensions [on the council] from past years," says Bash.

Zanotelli says he believes many of the council's troubles stem from its precarious financial situation. He and Bash currently serve on the group's financial committee.

"It's like 'Oh! There's this problem sitting right there,'" Zanotelli says, hitting his forehead to emphasize his point. "At this point, [the financial situation] is just too dire."

Bash--a resident of Eliot House--was also elected this fall to serve as the council's secretary.

Zanotelli and Bash place the council's financial health at the center of their campaign, and have several ideas to increase council cash flow.