Huron Students Neutral On Mayoral Race? No

Youths and politicians met Wednesday : The jeers, obscenities and hand clapping testified the interaction was everything but neutral. Mayor candidates Jack J. Garris, Republican, and I ert J. Harris, Democrat, I faced more than 500 students I at Huron High School Cafetería for an "interest" session sponsored by Students to Organize For Peace. Using different campaign styles to reach Ann Arbor yjuth, Harris drew cheers i and hand clapping with opening remarks about his record on drugs, pornographic literature and summer rock concerts. ' Garris' narrative on his background and family life topped with 'Tve found Ann Arbor a wonderful place to live," set the mood for the next hour of grilling. Student questions steered much of the discussion toward Garris. Despite Garris' repeated "ladies and gentlemen" and finally the threat, "If you want to hear me, either you i or I have to leave," many students reacted with open hostility. Others sat quieüy. Cjncerning drugs, Garris said he would fight legislation to liberalize marijuana laws. "Don't let anyone teil you I drugs aren't harmful," I ris said. I Harris maintained f r o m I evidence gathered by the Citizens' Blue Ribbon Committee on the Study of Drug Abuse t h a t marijuana penalties should be reduced. He said efforts should be directed toward treatment of hard drugs and increased tional activities. Sunday rock concerts were another sore point. Garris said he supports having concerts under the auspices of Ann Arbor Public Schools, "not the White Panthers." Harris said park permits should be available to anyone who wants to sponsor a concert. Summing up the tone of the meeting, Jay Stielstra, football coach and social studies teacher, said: "Garris is in extremely hostile territory. He is a great distance from i this generation. I suppose he has a few friends scattered in the audience." Trying to establish rapport I with the students, Garris I said, "I have all the rock I music around the house. I Idon't know if you think I'm a I square but I do all the things la normal person does. I'm I like your parents." I While Garris found few I friends who would be counted I Wednesday, Harris asked for I support from the youth. "I need you to work even though you can't vote," he said. The incumbent said a poll he had taken showed 27 per j cent of Ann Arbor's voters were undecided while Garris had a one per cent lead. Harris predicted "The city will be different for you during the next two years if my opponent is elected." The candidates meeting was organized by Gary Post, a junior, who said students would be able to hear City I Council candidates at other I interest sessions. Students I are excused from classes to I attend the extra-curricular I sessions they are interested I in. ! Of the meeting, Harris, I said, "It will make a differI ence to them (the students)." I Garris left the session saying, I ''The majority o f these I youths want to hear."