Censoring Audience Comment Is Unfair

It is with shock and dismay that I read of the decision by the Compton City Council to ban the taping of audience comments (Times, Oct. 12). Even more amazing were the comments made by Councilwoman Bernice Woods.

At a time when Compton faces one of its most critical times, Woods has decided that censoring audience comments should have a higher priority than making our city the best it can be.

Even as one reads the accompanying story concerning Compton’s severe financial problems, it now appears to be quite evident that what Compton’s City Council wants is an ignorant community, particularly when citizens are proposing sound solutions to Compton’s ills while educating other citizens through the use of the community’s cable system.

It is unfair that Compton has to suffer for the lack of skills from one of the highest paid city staffs in Los Angeles County. And it is most unfair to block the comments of citizens who are making it publicly known.

When it comes to improving the quality of life for Compton, no amount of censorship will stop this community from speaking out. Compton’s actions have made me even more committed to educating Compton’s residents.

Rev. GARY LEON DANIELS, Compton