Comic Relief: Marion Barry's Hiring Practices

Regarding the allegations that D.C. Council member Marion Barry misused city funds by awarding Donna Watts-Brighthaupt a $5,000-a-month city contract shortly after they started dating ["Hiring Girlfriend Was Legal, Barry Says," Metro, July 15]:

I urge the D.C. Council not to rein in Mr. Barry's spending on staff.

Fifteen thousand dollars is cheap entertainment for the millions of people living in the area.

RONALD NARMI

Alexandria