Meet the Candidates...

...For YOUR Undergraduate Council!

Take a look at our exclusive interviews with UC candidates, and see how they stack up in terms of campus politics. Be sure to check out the responses from all the candidates in your house or yard to see how they compare.

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Meet the Candidates...

...For YOUR Undergraduate Council!

The Dems have put together an exclusive look at how the candidates stack up in terms of campus politics. Be sure to check out the responses from all the candidates in your house or yard to see how they compare.

Choose a House/Yard:

<a href="http://www.harvarddems.com/#NorthYard"> North Yard</a>
<a href="http://www.harvarddems.com/#EastYard"> East Yard</a>
<a href="http://www.harvarddems.com/#SouthYard"> South Yard</a>
<a href="http://www.harvarddems.com/#WestYard"> West Yard</a>

Adams
Cabot
Currier
Dudley
Dunster
Eliot
Kirkland
Leverett
Lowell
Mather
Pforzheimer
Quincy
Winthrop

And don't forget to VOTE starting noon Thursday (9/27) until noon on Monday (10/3). The voting website is: http://www.uc.fas.harvard.edu/

Note: If a candidate is missing, s/he did not respond to a questionnaire sent by email.

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<a name="NorthYard"> </a>

North Yard

JASON BERKENFELD:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I think it is completely our responsibility to cut costs for low-income students at Harvard. As a university that prides itself on diversity, Harvard has the obligation to ensure that students from all walks of life have equal access and equal opportunity. As for how this could be accomplished, I believe our hefty endowment could be well put to this use.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Absolutely. The function of the UC is to enhance college life and improve the students' experience within the Harvard community. It would be hard to argue that giving student groups the means to perform their activities (transportation, funding etc.) does not constitute a necessary enhancement of student life.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should be involved with campus political issues to the extent that these issues affect student life. The UC exists to ensure that undergraduate interests are being met and to guarantee that student rights are being protected. If a campus political issue calls into question any of the above, then it is the UC's duty to act.

PRATEEK KUMAR:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Harvard has done a good job of helping low income students with the Financial Aid Initiative, but I think that more can be done, especially in the realm of textbooks. Harvard should begin directly paying for textbooks for low income students, rather than the circuitous route by which the price of textbooks is simply taken into account in the Financial Aid Estimate. I propose setting up electronic accounts for low income students who could simply give their account number to the Coop; the Coop would forward the bill to the Financial Aid Office.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

I think that the UC should fund transportation for student groups on a case-by-case basis. For example, if the Harvard Dems or Republicans want a grant to get transportation to travel to a political event in NH, then I think that UC funding is perfectly legitimate. But if student groups want funding for more cavalier trips, like sociable outings, then they should have to fund those trips on their own.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC's primary concern is ensuring that students have their voices heard on campus and get the things they most want. The UC should be involved in campus issues that relate to the student body and should make sure that the ending solution to the issue is beneficial to the greatest number of students.

<a name="EastYard"> </a>

East Yard

KATE BOROWITZ

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Inspired by the UC's creation of Crimson Reading, I would suggest creating an UC sponsored/created guide for saving money in all facets of Harvard life. It could include ways to save money on food, clothing, tech gear, etc. In addition, it would contain information on available scholarships and little-known financial aid programs, as well as a calender of the year's money saving events (Such as the PBHA used bike sale). I think that this would greatly aid low-income students, and Harvard students on the whole!

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

If a student singing group needs transportation to a competition, then the UC should make an effort to fund that. But the UC obviously needs to prioritize how the money is spent, so maybe a Daniel Craig appreciation group should pay for their own transportation to a premier. I think this would have to be decided on a case by case basis.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC is part of Harvard's political sphere. It promotes democracy on campus and an open discourse. However, the UC should endeavor to represent all students, and I therefor don't think it should affiliate itself with any one political group, at the risk of alienating some students. But the UC can definately try to engage students in the world of Harvard politics and encourage them to take an active interest in either political groups or in the UC.

JACK LI:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Cutting costs for low income students should certainly be a priority of Harvard University because it is an efficient way to ensure economic and social diversity of the student body. Though the financial aid office already provides scholarships to students in need, the amount of need-based scholarships can be sharply increased by allocating some funds from Harvard's many lavish projects and infrastructure plans to the financial aid office.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Among its many jobs, supporting student organizations on campus is one of the major functions of UC. Its finance committee already provides over $200,000 of grants to student organizations every year for various purposes, one of which may be transportation. If additional transportation fund appeals are required by student organizations, UC should selectively fulfill these appeals based on the nature and the purpose of the transportation in light of its limited funds, which are also needed to support UC's other functions.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

UC should not interfere with campus politics unless it involves the quality of student life. In this case, UC should try its best to ensure and promote welfare of the students while remaining politically neutral.

CHARLIE ALBRIGHT:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I believe costs should definitely be cut for low income students; coming from a low-income family, myself, I understand the hardships students face regarding finances during their time in college. More financial support to a higher percentage of people would be beneficial. In addition, stipends for personal expenses such as supplies and books should be provided; in this way, Harvard can open its doors of opportunities to students while removing worries unnecessary to studying, such as money.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

If the UC budget should financially allow for the funding of student group transportation, it should be provided...to an extent. Student groups are one of the fundamental essences to life at Harvard. Trips that are beneficial to the students by means of growth mentally and socially should receive consideration by the UC for funding; funding for vacations or extravagant trips, however, should not be covered.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

What is the UC other than a political organization? The UC should be involved with campus political issues, because that is partly why representatives were elected...in order to represent. It is almost impossible to separate politics from a student government; even something as simple as distributing money shows a bias that is strongly related to political views, so instead of denying political involvement, it should be embraced by the UC.

MAYA USUI:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Each time I have to dig into my pocket to buy a hundred-dollar coursepack, or just to print out some lecture notes, I wish being a Harvard student wasn’t so
expensive. Cutting costs for low-income and cost-conscious students is one of my primary goals, and I will pursue it with a two-pronged attack – cheaper, online coursepacks, and printing subsidies for students on financial aid. For more detailed information about my plans, please look at my Facebook group, “Maia Usui For East Yard Representative”.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC receives a $75 “Activities Fee” from every student, and with its considerable funds it should and does subsidize student groups. The UC should help shoulder the burden for high but necessary costs – transportation is a good example. However, in order to maintain efficiency, student groups should file fund requests with the Financial Committee, as they have always done, and include detailed transportation budgets for consideration.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

If the UC wants to maximize its effect, it needs to clearly define its purpose. The UC is in itself a political organization, but it should focus on student affairs, student needs, and student rights. There are many political groups on campus, all capable of addressing the myriad of campus political issues – the UC can serve Harvard better by concentrating on what directly improves the well-being of undergraduates.

<a name="SouthYard"> </a>

South Yard

TOMMY MILLER:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I believe, obviously, that Harvard has an obligation to spend a lot of money helping low income students. I am here mostly on financial aid, and the financial aid program offered by Harvard was a major factor in my decision to come here. Costs could be cut by helping students book low-cost airfare / subsidies on airfare, as well as helping to pay for textbooks, notebooks, and other learning materials.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should definitely fund transportation for student groups, but within reason. Just as the sports teams are funded to travel all over the country, student groups should receive funding. However, this funding should be given in proportion to the active student involvement in a group. If a student founds a group, for instance, "PNTMWWTTTH" (People Named Tommy Miller Who Want To Travel To Hawaii) and it has only one member, it should not be given funding to travel to Hawaii.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC, as the premier organization of student government, should be heavily involved with all aspects of campus political issues. The purpose of the UC is to give a voice to the students, a voice I intend to utilize to the fullest when I am elected.

ERIC HYSEN:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I believe the College needs to use as much of its endowment as is necessary to make it possible for every admitted student to afford Harvard. While Harvard is already doing a better job at this than many schools, there is always more that can be done. Harvard has the money to simply not charge tuition for any student, and I think this and similar options need to be strongly considered.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should fund transportation for student groups just as it funds other student group activities. If transportation is included as a valid part of a group's funding request, it should be eligible for funding alongside the rest of the request.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should be fully involved in campus political issues. The UC exists to represent student concerns, and if those concerns take the form of political issues, there's no reason UC representatives shouldn't get involved in those debates. If the UC shies away from political issues just because they're difficult to take on, then it's abandoning its mission.

HEATHER FURMAN:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income
students?

One of the biggest expenses at Harvard that I have found, is definately books. I tried to order my books used through Crimsonreading.org. The problem is that if they are going to take a while to get shipped here. I think that if the UC could develop a program, either online or not, that help fascilitate almost direct sales from older to younger students, students could save a lot of money and hassle (without shipping or the Coop as a middle-man).

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

I think that the UC should try to fund as much of the expenses for student groups as they can. The problem, would of course be budget constraints. I think, yes, the UC should fund transportation for student groups to a point--perhaps a certain budgeted amount for each group, if the trip is necessary to the purpose of the group.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus
political issues?

The purpose of the UC is to watch out for the students' interests as a whole. I don't think it should necessarily endorse a certain side of political issue, so as to not alienate a certain part of the student body. In terms of funding, I think funding to different political groups should either be equally distributed, or distributed based on the number of people who participate in said groups.

STEVE ANASTOS:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

One of the great things about Harvard is its generous financial aid to students of need. Anyone capable of being admitted to Harvard should be able to accept their admittance, so I support any effort to provide aid to students who, without such aid, wouldn't be able to go to Harvard. Bottom line, if you can get in, you should be able to go.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

I believe that the student group should be required to fund raise on its own first. However, considering one of the main functions of the UC is allocating money to student groups, I believe the UC should assist with transportation costs when the group is unable to cover the amount on its own, after significant efforts to do so.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC has no place in campus political issues. Rather, it should focus on bettering student life at Harvard and appropriately allocating its funds toward that goal. Harvard has plenty of political groups who should be involved in political issues--the UC is not one of them.

<a name="WestYard"> </a>

West Yard

SUNDEEP IYER:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Cost is still a tremendous obstacle for low-income students at the college. In particular, the college rarely factors in book costs to their financial aid packages. I plan to work through the Undergraduate Council to ensure that low-income students can apply for and obtain book stipends each semester to defer the high cost of books at Harvard.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The Undergraduate Council should fund transportation costs for student groups when these groups prove that they are using the cheapest mode of transportation possible; the groups should also prove that this transportation enables them to fulfill their organizational mission. For example, the student groups directly dependent upon bus or van transportation to complete voluntary service projects should receive transportation funding. This funding is important because it can empower organizations to create a spirit of volunteerism that is truly integral to the Harvard community.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The Undergraduate Council should only be involved in campus political issues if students are affected by administrative action (or inaction) on these issues. The Undergraduate Council is a student-advocacy group; as such, it should be focused on policies that can improve life for students here at Harvard. The Undergraduate Council, however, does have the responsibility to speak for student body in times of national or international crises, and it has the responsibility to express campus sentiment on globally condemned human atrocities and injustices.

SYLVIA CHEN:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Outside of college tuition, one of the largest expenses facing Harvard students is the cost of books. Thus, to help cut costs for low income students, as well as other students, the UC could further the idea of an "open book market." By expanding the capacity of crimsonreading.org, this brilliant website could compare not only online retailers but also students trying to sell their old books/course materials; additionally, there could be an open mailing list specifically made for books (registration required, of course, to avoid spamming).

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should not supply transportation money for student groups. Each year the UC already allocates a certain amount of funds to student groups. Since the transportation needs of student groups vary greatly, it should be up to the individual groups to determine where the already allocated money should be spent.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The most important role of the UC with regards to campus political issues is to create a friendly and stimulating environment for active student communication. Rather than only taking a particular stance on a particular political issue, the UC could establish open student forums that bring students who truly care about the issue to the forefront of the debate.

PETER BACON:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

In recent years, Harvard has developed a strong program emphasizing financial aid to low and moderate-income students, evidenced by President Summer’s administration’s initiative in 2004 to reduce the contribution of such students’ families, earmarking more money for scholarships, and other actions. Though this is laudable, it is still not enough. Harvard is committed to selecting the “best and the brightest” students, no matter their economic
station, and must continue the reforms of the past years by further reducing the contribution for low-income students, providing more money for scholarships, and providing aid to those students unable to purchase basic educational necessities i.e. textbooks and course packs.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

While the UC does fund student groups, it does not generally fund student transportation outside of the Boston and Cambridge-area. While, due to budgetary constraints, I can understand why the UC has this policy, I am open to re-examining the issue if funding transportation is found to be fiscally reasonable.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC does fund and support all organizations of the Harvard student body including, of course, political organizations. While the UC seeks impartiality and fairness in dealing with all political groups, if there is a major politically-related campus issue that is on the minds of students, the UC must address it.

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Adams

(Uncontested race; no responses from either candidate)

Cabot

INDIRA PHUKAN

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

While the financial aid program at Harvard has greatly improved over the past five years, I still see room for improvement. The first step would be to meet with the financial aid office to gain a better understanding of how the financial award process works. Also, crimsonreading.org is a wonderful institution, and an agreement with the COOP needs to be reached to enable ISBN numbers to be collected.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe the UC should fund transportation. Each Harvard student pays a student activities fee, and funding transportation would be a direct way for the students to see their fee in action.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should be a liaison between different student groups to enable better communication between the groups. Also, they should have liaisons to different political events on campus to have a better handling of what is occurring on campus.

MARYELLEN MCGOWAN

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I think one of the most important things Harvard can do for low income students (and trees) is push for professors to make more course materials available online. The current cost of textbooks, especially course packs, is oppressive for the average student, let alone those with lower incomes.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Oh man, what a softball question for the Dems' Campaigns Director. Yes! The UC should absolutely fund transportation for student groups, especially when travel off-campus (cough--our bus trips to NH--cough) is essential to the group's mission on-campus.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should strive to be the student population' s strongest voice with the Harvard administration on a campus political issue only when students seem to be speaking with one voice on that issue. In situations where a clear majority of the campus seems to advocate one side of a specific issue (If, for example, a group like HDAG takes a survey or gathers signatures to ascertain that the campus overwhelmingly favors divestment), the UC should advocate accordingly. On more divisive issues, however, the advocacy is best left to the interest groups involved.

Currier

JON STAFF:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

One of the most burdensome costs to students is textbooks, which is why I have worked hard on the CrimsonReading.org program and making the COOP realize that they must let students comparison shop (rather than try to have them arrested :) ). Harvard has done a great job with the HFAI program, but Harvard also had the ability to expand the program, which they should do in the way of providing more and larger stipends for books, computers and other necessities. No student should ever feel left behind due to their financial situation.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Yes. I successfully advocated last semester to begin funding transportation for student groups once again. Student groups can make a far greater affect on the campus with UC money than the UC can do by holding that money. Transportation funding is part of allowing student groups to flourish.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should be involved in facilitating campus political dialogue to take place. There are numerous groups--both permanent and temporary--that are formed to advocate politics on campus. On some of these issues, it is appropriate for the UC to formally support a given cause or movement, but the primary goal of the UC should be to make sure that those most motivated toward creating a change have the resources to do so.

Dudley

Note: The only candidate from Dudley House is Kyle Krahel. If you live in Dudley, vote for Kyle. He is a rockstar.
-Ed.

Dunster

(No responses from any of the 5 declared candidates)

Eliot

PRITHVI SHANKAR:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

While the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative represents an admirable first step in cutting admissions costs for low income students, HFAI does nothing to address the huge costs students must pay to purchase books. The Undergraduate Council should fund student workers to complete the Crimson Reading database of course books, which would yield tremendous savings for students.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Yes—for many student groups, transportation is vital. I am a tutor with the Mission Hill Afterschool Program, and transportation makes it much easier to take part in the program. Though I support the UC funding transportation for student groups, where there are opportunities to lower transportation costs, groups should be encouraged to pursue those alternatives.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

UC representatives are elected to represent constituents on a variety of issues including campus political debates. Students have opinions on these topics, and I think the UC owes it to them to act on those opinions. The first job of the UC is improving the quality of life for Harvard students, and that quality of life is tied into many campus political debates.

Kirkland

LANDON DICKEY:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I believe cutting costs for low-income students is important to furthering the diversity and academic talent of each incoming class of freshman. If more scholarship opportunities were provided to students after financial aid distribution, particularly in reward for excellent academic standing and extracurricular service as low-income students progressed through Harvard, the college would find itself able to attract more students with a lesser ability to pay the exorbitant costs of education.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should take a more active role in providing opportunities for student groups to receive transportation funding. Though I do not believe such funding should be given out indiscriminately, a carefully administered application process would help a serious student group seize more opportunities outside of school that proved some worth to that group's mission.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

If the UC is to be truly representative of student interests and the welfare of students on Harvard's campus it has to be cognizant of political issues on campus. I would like to look into the possibility of UC reps working in conjunction with the house committees to create more forums for discussions on controversial issues on campus. I believe knowledge and open conversation is the best approach to furthering an intelligent and aware student body.

Leverett

EVA LAM:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

It is the UC's obligation to work independently, with other student organizations, and with the administration to cut costs for all students, with a focus on expenses that affect low-income students. Particularly, I will continue to push for the Course Cost Assistance Package (which the Dems endorsed last year). I will also support efforts to make textbooks less expensive and make coursepacks available online.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

This depends on the type and purpose of student group transportation. If the activity is integral to the group's purpose (a Dems bus trip to campaign in the New Hampshire primary) and the expense is reasonable, yes; if not (a Dems spring break in Bermuda), no.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should be involved with campus political issues to the extent that those issues directly impact the quality of undergraduate life, and only when the UC's involvement will impact the issue at hand. So if a campus dispute arises about whether Harvard should, say, use more environmentally friendly toilet paper, the UC should research the costs and benefits of the plan and take a stand. If a campus dispute arises about whether the United States should sign a UN convention encouraging the worldwide adoption of environmentally friendly toilet paper, the UC has no business intervening.

ZANDER LI:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

As a student on financial aid, I can say that Harvard already does a tremendous job at providing assistance. Right now, the best thing it can do is to publicize what it already offers: the Student Events Fund for campus events, and the Research Fund for term-time and summer work. I do think that additional funds could go towards textbook costs, but the best way to start with this is to break the monopoly of the Coop.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Minimally, yes. As Finance Committee Chair, I successfully urged the Committee to reverse its blanket ban on transportation funding, and to fund the cost of T transportation within the Boston area. I do not believe that the policy should go any further: the UC has a commitment to fund over 200 student groups, and cannot sustain the cost of transportation beyond the Boston area.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

Virtually none. The UC is a political body, but the subject of its politics is the University, not the nation, and certainly not the world. To advocate effectively student interests, it must have a claim to represent students; this cannot happen if it takes divisive stands on political issues beyond Johnston gate.

JOYCE ZHANG:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

In addition to the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative's generous support to potentially help students cover the expenses for tuition, room, board, winter clothing, health fees, travel expenses, and personal expenses as well as the Student Events Fund's free tickets for student events, the best way to cut expenses is to lower the price of textbooks and coursepacks. The UC has already made extraordinary gains in this respect, but in addition, students should be allocated a certain amount of money for printing. Students could perhaps have a quota of pages they could print per semester, and anything above quota they would either have to petition to have pages added to this quota through demonstrated necessity of printing, or pay for out of pocket.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should if it is fiscally possible. It would be a slippery slope since by funding transportation for some, it would set precedent for funding for all, and not all programs have as much of a demonstrated need. For certain PBHA programs, for example, funding transportation would be crucial, but for clubs that simply want to take their members on outings to other cities or states, it would be superfluous and not a good allocation of students' money.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

Everyone should know who their UC candidates are. If by campus political issues you mean the politics of Harvard, then certainly the UC should be in the front and center. If campus political issues means, for example, the 2008 US presidential election, individual UC members can certainly participate and help, but the UC as a body should not be involved.

CHARLES T. JAMES:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

The campus already has in place several programs to alleviate many of the challenges that low income students face. However there is still a significant gap between those students and their peers. Harvard should expand its Financial Aid initiative to provide initial costs associated with matriculation, increase its travel budget (which is currently only $500) and provide a fund for emergency expenses.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Yes it should. But that will never happen if the annual budget doesn't increase. The UC MUST find a way to increase revenue by creating more student run programs like Crimson Reading which are capable of making a profit.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

As an association the UC should be entirely apolitical. The UC is a near pefect example of democratic governance and partisanship would all but destroy that. Nevertheless, The UC should aggressively encourage student and member participation in campus politics and employ the use of student referendum when there is support.

Lowell

ANTHONY BRITT

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?
While the goals of C-CAP should not be set aside, Crimson Reading provides an overlooked service in addition to the price comparisons: the marketplace. I believe the marketplace should be promoted as a place to consolidate all the book requests and bartering that occurs across house open lists because it has the potential to redistribute books that upperclassmen and peers already have on hand via supply and demand.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

FiCom's main priority is and should be on-campus events and activities that engage a good chunk of the student population. With that said, however, I'm in favor of small transportation subsidies in line with last semester's policy to foster events that could not reach full potential or even happen on campus.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

by design and practice, the UC should not be a partisan organization. Seeing that the UC is a political campus organization, I see no problem with the UC being involved in campus political issues that affect undergraduate life and well-being. However, it is up to UC members to use good judgment and discretion to prevent the furthering of political agendas.

Mather

ANDY VAZ:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Costs for low-income students should certainly be cut, and Harvard should do so by eliminating the student contribution of every financial aid package. It is this contribution that causes many low-income students to graduate with debt.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should only fund transportation for groups that are mainly service-oriented, like PBHA.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should limit its involvement campus political issues. It’s first and only priority should be Harvard students and their well-being. As an elected representative, I will refuse to accept any partisan labels and always act in a way that best serves Mather residents.

JONATHAN HAWLEY:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income
students?

In order to make the opportunities and benefits of Harvard available to all students, the UC should work to lower prices and fees. We can negotiate with local vendors to reduce textbook and course pack prices, and encourage administration to increase subsidization and financial aid.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

I think one of the principle duties of the UC should be to encourage and finance student groups of all sorts. If an organization has the campus support and involvement to require funding, then it should be given.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus
political issues?

I firmly believe that the UC should be dedicated first and foremost to improving life on campus. Consequently, any issue that might serve to better the Harvard community should be examined even if it is perceived to be a political one. Also, the UC should finance a variety of political groups to maintain a healthy spirit of debate and discussion on campus.

JOSHUA ALLEN:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

There's no question that Harvard does a lot to help out low income students--but they don't do nearly enough. Though some aid already exists, the college needs to expand assistance for low income students--especially for essential and increasingly expensive necessities such as summer storage, books, course packs (which should be free to begin with), travel, and the occasional mentally uplifting meal off the HUDS plan--and oh, yeah, tuition. To expedite this kind of expansion, continuous and serious advocacy will be required of UC members.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Traveling to myriad locations is essential to the core motivations of many groups on campus--from the Harvard Dems to countless volunteer organizations. While the costs of funding transportation have to be weighed against other potential uses for the money, there's no question that transportation costs must be considered seriously and as generously as possible.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

While I think it's great for UC members to be involved in national political activities, the UC should be involved minimally in discussion of national politics--it's just not an effective use of time. However, the UC must continue to fund campus groups that focus on these issues. Additionally, the UC should be involved in important campus issues that also happen to carry a political charge--for example, recent involvement in lobbying for free or subsidized HPV vaccines at UHS.

Pforzheimer

DANIEL KROOP

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

Harvard must be affordable for all students -- and with an endowment of $35 billion, there is no reason why the College cannot make that possible. Efforts like CrimsonReading.org should be expanded and systematized to cut the cost of textbooks, the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative should grow and reach new groups of low income students, and additional awards and grants should be made available for both student research/travel and the cost of living.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The Finance Committee should absolutely provide transportation funding for student groups. Groups that travel extensively to do community service or campaign for political causes should have a fair and equitable application for transportation funding. The UC serves student groups -- not the other way around.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC must speak up on matters where Harvard's students share in the stakes. I was proud of the success student groups had this past year in pressing for a fair wage for security guards, as their well-being affects students directly. However, the UC must always first look to faciliate student opinion, not dictate it. As a UC representative, I'll keep listening to our many political activism groups, and press as hard as possible on administration officials to make the right changes.

Quincy

SEAN ROBINSON

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

I believe the Work-Study program should be expanded to include a greater variety of jobs. If some professors don't already, perhaps working as their research assistants could fall into the program. Furthermore, since their presence at Harvard demonstrates their intellectual talents, financial-aid students should be able to receive some sort of a financial-aid bonus for good grades.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

I'm not sure the UC should have to fund student groups on trips beyond the Boston metropolitan area. The main goal of these groups is to promote community and/or issue awareness ON campus. I believe long-distance trips should be funded by the groups themselves on what money they can raise and personally invest.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues?

The UC should not directly involve itself in political issues unless that issue affects the UC or its ability to operate. However, as the representative government of the student body, the UC has at least the responsibility to keep its constituents informed so they might stay abreast of any issues facing our school.

RYAN NEWBROUGH:

1. What are your thoughts on whether and how to cut costs for low income students?

The current financial aid programs set-up by Harvard are quite effective, but it is important for the UC to do everything it can to allow low income students the same opportunities as students without financial difficulties - at Harvard, a student should never be made conscious of his or her low income. That means petitioning the College for expanded financial aid allowances, continuing such UC programs as CrimsonReading.com and bus transportation to the airport, and ultimately coming up with new programs to make it easier for low income students (many of whom are forced to balance a job and school work) to succeed socially and academically.

2. Should the UC fund transportation for student groups? Why or why not?

The UC should determine funding on a case-by-case basis, depending on the merit of the activity and legitimacy of the organization, but generally, yes, the UC should count transportation as a reimbursable cost due to the fact that, typically, transportation to and from an event is one of the more expensive elements of an organized group activity. The UC funds parties every week (which I think is great, by the way); surely, it can justify funding organizational transportation. For any activity funded by the UC, however, there must be accountability and oversight.

3. In general, to what extent should the UC be involved with campus political issues. The UC, as a type of elected governing body, inevitably serves a political role on campus. That means justifiably involving itself with campus politics - like workers' rights, College administrative policy and the affairs of student organizations. But the UC has little reason to involve itself with national politics, other than funding student groups that do, and the UC should not discriminate based on the political orientation of a student group.

Winthrop

(No responses from any candidates)

Dems Sort 4500 Lbs. At Boston Food Bank!

Last Friday at our Service Day, a dedicated group of Dems traveled to the Greater Boston Food Bank, where -- along with four local Good Samaritans who happened to be around -- we sorted, inspected, and packaged 4593 pounds of grocery-store salvage food. That's 283 pounds per person. In total, we made possible 2821 meals for hungry people around Eastern Massachusetts.

It was a great experience, and we thank the Food Bank for letting us come in and help out. If you'd like to volunteer for the Greater Boston Food Bank (and trust me, it's a lot of fun in a group or on your own), contact them.

Update: Photo!