“What I disagree with is the notion that lowering the drinking age is going to somehow alleviate the problem."

Plourde said he's never been cited for underage drinking, but has numerous friends and relatives who’ve gotten MIP citations.

“In fact, I probably know more people who have been charged with an MIP than who haven’t,” Plourde said.

When asked if he was using this proposal to garner the support of University students, Plourde said, “Of course. This is something I think should happen, so I’m pushing it.”

Briere said she saw Plourde’s proposal as pandering to a specific voting bloc, because she hasn’t heard an outcry from city residents to change the law.

“My concern is that this feels like an effort to get people who are 18 or 19 to vote for the candidate rather than actually implement it,” she said.