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Under New Management

In His First 100 Days Paul A. Gusmorino Revitalizes the Undergraduate Council

"Thanks to Paul and Sujean's UC Roadmap, all representatives and constituents can gain a clear picture of the council's initiatives," said Trisha S. Dasgupta `03, chair of the council's Finance Committee.

Some council members draw a comparison between Gusmorino and his predecessor, Fentrice D. Driskell `01, saying that while personal conflicts and Driskell's leadership style undermined her presidency, Gusmorino has not faced any of the same impediments.

Former council member Jim R. Griffin `02, who remains close to the council, paints the most severe contrast between Gusmorino and Driskell.

"Paul knows parliamentary procedure and people respect his authority," Griffin says. "People just didn't respect Fentrice as much. There's was just a lack of competence."

Plants says Driskell's term was marred by the scandals that surrounded her election, including the impeachment of her running mate John A. Burton `01.

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"The difference between Paul and Fentrice is like night and day," Barkley says.

Not A Walk In The Park

Despite its many successes, Gusmorino's council has faced its share of difficulties.

Some of the council's important policy initiatives, such as opening all of the College's houses to 24-hour universal keycard access for upperclassmen, were met by an unwelcoming administration.

Other plans, such as providing Harvard students with free tickets to the Harvard-Yale game when it is held at home and recommending improvements to the Malkin Athletic Center, have yet to be finalized.

Still others, like increasing student space for theatrical performances and providing students with a discounted cell phone plan, were barely addressed.

But Gusmorino says his administration will not ignore these areas.

"By the end of my term, the plan is that every area will see progress," he said.

Beyond policy problems, the council also struggled with internal strife.

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