PUNISHING THE TAXPAYERS

As a D.C. resident and taxpayer, I am appalled by a jury's reckless decision
to award almost $100 million to the mother of a slain police informant
[front page, Oct. 21].

The police apparently made several errors that contributed to the tragic
death of Eric Butera. But did the jury consider whom they were punishing
with such a large award? I doubt that individual police officers, however
culpable, will have to pay millions out of their own pockets. Rather, the
burden of this payoff will fall on D.C. residents.

The vast amount of money the jurors ruled the District must pay to Mr.
Butera's mother and her lawyers will not bring Mr. Butera back or salve the
grief of a mother whose son is gone. It will, though, help financially
hobble police and other city services. That money represents, among other
things, schools that will not be built or improved and crimes that will not
be prevented or solved.

How is justice served by plundering the coffers of a city that, after years
of crisis, is only now poised for recovery?

William J. Schmonsees, Washington