Apr. 4, 1972
Meet the Mayor Of Grant Heights YOKOTA AB, Japan (Special) — Sam Yorty and Debra Wascher have one thing in common. They’re both mayors. Of course, Yorty rules the ever expanding metropolis of Los Angeles while Debra, a junior at Yamato High School, ruled Grant heights. She was one of six students chosen by the Yamato faculty from a large volunteer group to be Mayor-For-A-Day.
“My day as a mayor was an eyeopener, I had no idea what such a job entailed,” Debra said. “Suddenly, I found I was involved in the problems of hundreds of families . . . listening to policy making that influences my community . . . discussing decisions that touch not only the young people, but our parents as well.”
The "Mayor” program was originated by Lt. Col. Ronald T. Coder, commander 34th Air Base Sq. Debra, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Wascher, had very little trouble while visiting Camp Asaka of the Japan Self Defense Force and meeting Wako City Mayor K. Yagishita. She has lived in Japan 12 years and speaks excellent Japanese. Her father is attached to the U.S. Army Support Services Det. At North Camp Drake.