"I bring experience. It's been three long, very tiring years," said Coffey. "But as a leader, I wove together a diverse group of people and built a strong team."
"I am about hard work and dedication," Coffey added. "At events, I'm there before clearing chairs and mopping up at the end."
Robert M. Hyman '98-'97 is seeking re-election as president.
"Who'd have thought we'd be having a debate tonight over issues?" said Hyman.
Candidate Benjamin R. Kaplan '99-'98, who is a Crimson editor, put emphasis on a basic level of reform.
"The council is like a sailboat. Everyone is busy getting a new paint-job, a new mast. We need to be concerned with the integrity of the sailboat," said Kaplan.
There needs to be a change in the way council legislation is promoted, said Edward B. Smith III '97.
"I have a different vision that I want to put through," Smith said.
"We need to be more responsible dealing with legislation. It must be a careful and thorough process," he said.
Alissa S. Brotman '97 said her basic goal is equality.
"There are some traditions at Harvard that should no longer be honored. My leadership would underscore the need for continued progress," she said.
The V.P. Candidates
Vice presidential candidates were given one minute each to speak and then answered questions from the audience.
Elizabeth A. Haynes '98 said the council needs an ombudsperson, and that she could best serve that role as vice president.
Tally Zingher '99 called for "channeling student concerns through appropriate channels."
Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, who is running on a ticket with Hyman, said that although the council isn't perfect, "the point is we're going in the right direction."
Candidate Christopher R. McFadden '97, who is a Crimson executive, announced his withdrawal from the race at the debate.
McFadden criticized the council for "playing politics with the time and trust of the students," but then said "if the campaign does any good, if it offers any services, then this campaign will not have been in vain."
The debate was moderated by William B. Zerhouni '97 and Robert B. Wolinsky '97 of the HPU. Wolinsky is also a council member