PHOENIX - House Speaker Mark Killian told about 250 students yesterday that political power needs to be returned to the state because "those people in Washington have got problems."

Killian, a Mesa Republican, was one of six featured speakers during Arizona Students' Association's Legislative Conference held in Phoenix. About 80 University of Arizona students attended the half-day conference.

Killian used the story of the state's attempt to keep Grand Canyon National Park open during the government shutdown to illustrate the ineptitude of the federal government. He said Gov. Fife Symington was told by an interior department official to remember that the Grand Canyon "does not belong to you. It belongs to us."

Killian told the crowd gathered in the Capitol Museum that he thought the park belonged to the people and he did not understand how they could close it. He said it is imperative for students to get involved and stay involved in the political process.

Paul Allvin, executive director of Arizona Students' Association, said it was the largest conference turnout since the program began in 1987. In addition to speeches, students were treated to lunch with legislators and free tickets to the evening's Presidential Candidates' Forum held at Arizona State University.

For Brad Vynalek, 23, who will attend law school at the UA next year, the opportunity to attend the debates was the biggest draw. But he said he wished legislators had more time to meet with students in small groups.

Legislators who addressed the students included Killian; Assistant Secretary of State Anne Lynch; Sen. John Wettaw, R-Flagstaff; Rep. George Cunningham, D-Tucson and Rep. Mike Gardner, R-Tempe.