ANAHEIM : Schools Leery of Mayor’s Campaign

Mayor Fred Hunter’s anti-drug campaign got off to a rocky start this month, with officials of an Anaheim school district refusing to allow his rallies because they were too political.

Hunter, who is seeking reelection as mayor in November, has developed an hourlong program called “Hunter’s Brigade” for local schools. The assemblies are supposed to feature the mayor, professional cheerleaders and local professional sports figures in talks to the students about drug abuse.

This week, the Anaheim City School District denied a second request from public relations consultant Michael J. Snapp, who is coordinating the rallies, to approve the events.

“The board felt there might have been some political overtones,” said Supt. Meliton Lopez.

Board member Christopher B. Whorton said there was concern among board members that “it was too political an issue, that it was designed as a political campaign.”

In addition, last week’s rally at Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary School in Anaheim had to be canceled. Stars such as California Angels first baseman Wally Joyner couldn’t make the rally because the team was out of town. Those celebrities were then replaced by retired Angels, who also failed to show up.

Despite these difficulties, Hunter remains confident in his campaign.

“There was a glitch, and we’ve overcome that,” Hunter said. “We’ve got it all squared away.”