Compton : Mayor Will Get City Car

Compton taxpayers are about to provide Mayor Walter R. Tucker with a car--in addition to the $300-a-month travel reimbursement he receives on top of his $600-a-month salary. With Councilman Maxey D. Filer objecting and Tucker abstaining, the three remaining council members voted to provide the car as compensation for the mayor’s frequent travel on city business.

Councilman Floyd A. James said that Tucker travels so much on city business that “sometimes I feel sorry for him . . . If you want a good mayor you’ve got to give him good equipment.” Councilman Robert L. Adams Sr. said that with the “E” license plate given to municipal vehicles, Tucker might gain “a little clout” when seeking good parking spaces. And Councilwoman Jane D. Robbins said a car for the mayor might also enhance Compton’s image.

Filer said he opposed the measure because the cost of a mayoral car could reach $20,000 in the first year alone. City taxpayers also would end up bearing the cost of the car’s gasoline, maintenance and insurance. Filer said he felt those expenditures are excessive at a time when other city employees are being laid off because of budgetary constraints.