And Smith says he plans to pursue many of the issues he raised in the campaign during Gusmorino's presidency.

"I hope the coming year's successes will be marked by steps forward in areas where significant impact can be made," Smith says. "If we are the same place this time next year on labor, sexual assault, and public service advocacy, something went wrong."

But some council members say they also hope Gusmorino and Lee will use their posts to articulate stronger stances on issues facing the council.

Some council members criticized Gusmorino during the campaign for dodging controversial topics.

"I would encourage them to be more vocal about their convictions than they perhaps have been in the past," says Jeffrey A. Letalien '01, a longtime council member who managed the Barkley campaign. "They both possess a quiet competence but would be well served by expressing themselves."