While I am extremely disappointed in State College Borough Council's decision not to take a stand on the city moratorium resolution, an issue that is of utmost relevance that city and borough councils across the state are taking action, I am at least pleased that some council members have acknowledged the real threat of innocent people dying on death row.

If they truly acknowledge these problems and truly stand behind the words that many of them have spoken as individuals, then I would expect them to take action on putting safeguards in the capital punishment system.

First, I am asking them to support the Innocence Protection Act in the 107th Congress.

This bill would force states to provide competent legal defense in all capital cases, which currently does not happen in Pennsylvania and is one of the reasons for why innocent people continue to be found on death row.

In addition, the bill would allow DNA evidence to be used in all capital cases.

There is also a moratorium bill currently in the Pennsylvania Legislature. If you truly do not want to see innocent people face the death penalty, then please act as individuals and write to your elected representatives to support these bills.

Since the council failed to act as a governing body, I hope that they would support these issues as individuals.