Planning Board Member Okd Following Political Hassle

Peter 'T5. Darrfw last night was appointed to the City Planning Commission but only after a brief political debate. Mayor Robert J. Harris had iecom.mended Darrow's appointment and this was firmed by City Council in a 7-to3 vote. Fourth Ward Republican James E. Stephenson objected to the appointment, stating he would "choke" if he had to vote again for another "liberal Democrat" to a major board. 'Tve voted for a lot of liberal Democrats (f o r appointments) in the past," Stephenson said, adding that Darrow has long been associated with the Democratie party and "is one of the architects of liberalism of the local party. I can't vote for that philosophy." Defending nis appointment, Harris said Darrow is an "outstanding attorney" and has in the past been associated with "good causes" and not just the Democratie party. He said Darrow has been active in civil r i g h t s , housing and y o u t h acüvities. Harris said he was interested in placing Darrow on the commission because of his experience in providing low and moderate income housing and because Darrow has seen commission problems from the developers' side. "I feel he is imminently qualified for what our Planning Commission needs now," the mayor said. The appointment was approved in a 7-to-3 vote with Republican Robert Weaver joining the six Democrats in voting "yes."