MONEY ON THE MIND

The candidates say the most pressing issues facing the undergraduate community are the repercussions of budget cuts, so they’ve highlighted several cost-neutral solutions in their platform.

This is where the duo says their slogan—“Real Leadership, New Solutions”—ceases being a gimmick and takes on practicality. Bowman and Hysen’s “New Solutions” comprise a range of ideas that will improve the lives of students without breaking the bank, they say.

“One of the biggest distinctions about this ticket is that they have a lot of cost-neutral ideas,” Flores said.

Drawing on Eric’s computer science savvy, Bowman and Hysen have proposed online initiatives, including adding an events calendar to the Web and a study guide database.

“[These] can be accomplished this year, but cost nothing, which is right now exactly what we need,” Bowman said.

Bringing back hot breakfast may also be a no-cost project. After conferring with Harvard University Dining Services, Bowman and Hysen say they found that hot breakfast could be offered in one House per neighborhood at no cost, though students would potentially have to sacrifice lunch at that House.

Last semester, students raised concerns with the College administration about the lack of transparency and student input that went into the first round of budget cuts. During this time, Bowman conceived of the “Idea Bank”—the online service in which members of the College community can suggest cost-cutting ideas. Both candidates say they’d like to see greater transparency on budget cuts, which they say would foster a more democratic process.

A MATCH BUILT ON ‘BROMANCE’

While canvassing in front of the Science Center, Bowman is in his element—relaxed as he speaks to undergrads he’s never met before. A member of the Spee and a resident of Pfoho’s Belltower—which has garnered a reputation for the parties it has hosted—Bowman said that he thinks that his sociable nature would help draw in supporters.

And as for the comparably soft-spoken Hysen, he has an unassuming demeanor, which supporters say belies his intellect. He said he would work well as Bowman’s right-hand man, as he “can do a lot of the support work that’s not the glamorous stuff.”

“It was kind of like a bromance from the start,” Lu said.