City Pols Criticize Harvard

Cambridge Civic Association-endorsed candidates for the city council, including Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves '72, said during a press conference this week that Harvard could do more to help its neighbors.

Reeves and John Pitkin, a first-time candidate and president of a neighborhood association which has fought the University's plans for expansion, said Harvard needs to consider the needs of its neighbors more carefully.

"I think it's very important that the city set standards that don't allow Harvard to accept a gentleman's C," said Pitkin. "Harvard is now getting a gentleman's C."

Also at the press conference, Philip Dowds, president of the Cambridge Civic Association, announced a slate of seven candidates endorsed by the association. The list includes four incumbent councillors--Reeves, Jonathan S. Myers, Francis H. Duehay '55 and Edward N. Cyr--and three newcomers--Pitkin, civil rights lawyer Katherine Triantafillou and Kathy Born, who did not attend the press conference.

Reeves said Harvard needs to offer assistance to the neighborhoods and non-profit corporations surrounding the University if the city's environment is to improve.

"If you go to New Haven, you will see the city died around [Yale] University," Reeves said. "They have to help some of the non-profit companies in their backyard.

Pitkin said building a better relationship between Harvard and the city will take cooperation on both sides.

"In many ways, universities are like neighborhoods," Pitkin said. "There is a growing awareness of these processes among officials at Harvard."

Pitkin and Reeves also said they would like to see a replacement for Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs John Shattuck, who left in March for a position in the Clinton administration, as soon as possible.

Both men said they thought the University should consider the needs of the city carefully in choosing a successor.

"It is very important that President Rudenstine be in touch with the city on what kind of person replaces Mr. Shattuck," Reeves said.

President Neil L. Rudenstine said yesterday that he is open to suggestions from the city and believes Harvard's relationship is profitable. He said he meets often with Reeves, including private lunches "about once a semester."

"I spent part of today with the mayor," said Rudenstine, who, in addition to Reeves, spoke at a Memorial Hall luncheon for Cambridge senior citizens yesterday.

"We'll take all suggestions. It's obvious that we have a common fate. It's in the best interests of Harvard to make a good relationship with Cambridge."

"I will give the mayor an A," Rudenstine added. "I don't know Mr. Pitkin, but I'll give him a B+.

Reeves said Harvard needs to offer assistance to the neighborhoods and non-profit corporations surrounding the University if the city's environment is to improve.

"If you go to New Haven, you will see the city died around [Yale] University," Reeves said. "They have to help some of the non-profit companies in their backyard.

Pitkin said building a better relationship between Harvard and the city will take cooperation on both sides.

"In many ways, universities are like neighborhoods," Pitkin said. "There is a growing awareness of these processes among officials at Harvard."

Pitkin and Reeves also said they would like to see a replacement for Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs John Shattuck, who left in March for a position in the Clinton administration, as soon as possible.

Both men said they thought the University should consider the needs of the city carefully in choosing a successor.

"It is very important that President Rudenstine be in touch with the city on what kind of person replaces Mr. Shattuck," Reeves said.

President Neil L. Rudenstine said yesterday that he is open to suggestions from the city and believes Harvard's relationship is profitable. He said he meets often with Reeves, including private lunches "about once a semester."

"I spent part of today with the mayor," said Rudenstine, who, in addition to Reeves, spoke at a Memorial Hall luncheon for Cambridge senior citizens yesterday.

"We'll take all suggestions. It's obvious that we have a common fate. It's in the best interests of Harvard to make a good relationship with Cambridge."

"I will give the mayor an A," Rudenstine added. "I don't know Mr. Pitkin, but I'll give him a B+.