Byrd and Mani have both suffered penalties for violating council campaign regulations, including campaigning in classrooms and computer labs. One such violation occurred on Thursday when the infamous bird snuck into a Physics 11a lecture and embraced Professor of Physics Melissa Franklin. Byrd has accumulated 33 violation points and Mani 23 points, while no other candidate has surpassed one point. The financial penalties imposed for these violations mean the campaign has negative spending money—in fact, Byrd and Mani have to take down some posters and ads just to remain within council spending limits.

School Spirit

The bird’s recklessness reflects the campaign’s commitment to enlivening students’ experiences, some Byrd-Mani supporters say.

The pair say they want to see the campus revolve more around the students.

Sporting a Red Sox cap, Byrd says a sports night should be implemented in Sanders Theatre, bringing students together to watch the team play.

The candidates say they also want to bring more popular music bands to the campus, encouraging them to perform for a lower price by hosting charity drives for AIDS and other causes.

Byrd’s eyes grow wide as he cites U2 as one group who might be willing to play before an audience of Harvard students.

“The last time a big group came to Harvard was the Rolling Stones in 1976. We need a touchstone event to bring that sort of thing back,” he says.

In order to defray some of the cost of bringing a prominent group to Harvard, he says that placing the event under the banner of a larger cause, such as “support for a cure for AIDS,” would attract the interest of these groups and make them willing to perform at a lower cost.

Mani, who took time out of the campaign to tutor young students in the area, proposes another public-service idea: donate unsold Harvard sports-events tickets to children who would not otherwise be able to attend. This would not only support community service programs, but also raise the meager attendance at football and basketball games.

The “Common Man” Platform

Byrd’s southern drawl reveals his Texan heritage, and he readily admits that his background has not been the most privileged.

“I have $200 in my bank account,” he says proudly.

He insists members of the student body cannot actually afford what Harvard says they can afford. In order to decrease school-year expenses, Byrd proposes not only increasing the $50 of Board Plus money given to each student per semester, but also enabling students to use the money as Crimson Cash.

He says he also hopes to extend dining hall hours in at least one River and Quad House. But while catering to student needs, Byrd says it is important to respect the dining hall staff.