September 30, 2009
Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Gray:
With the recent passage of PR18-0491 (Council Code of Official Conduct Rules Amendment Resolution of 2009), the DC Council has a unique opportunity to exercise its newly adopted ethics laws. With the recent arrest of Ted Loza, chief of staff to Councilmember Jim Graham and reports circulating that Councilmember Jim Graham is under investigation from the FBI, the DC Republican Committee encourages you to recommend Councilmember Graham take a leave of absence until the FBI has concluded its investigation.
According to recent reports, sources close to the FBI probe tell WUSA9 that Councilman Graham is also a target of the probe. Graham has obtained criminal defense attorney, James Cooper, with Arnold and Porter law firm.
As Chairman of the Council, you are the Council’s elected leader. As the Council’s elected leader, you have an opportunity to show District residents that the DC Council will not tolerate corruption or the appearance of corruption. Only with Graham’s departure will the DC Council be sending a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Anything short of Graham taking a time of leave will suggest that under your leadership, the DC Council embraces the appearance of unethical behavior.
All law abiding citizens have the right to a fair trial and are innocent until proven guilty. However, as Council Chairman you also have a responsibility to show District residents that your Council will not tolerate the appearance of unethical behavior.
Mr. Chairman, you ran for the important job as DC Council Chairman on a platform of bringing honesty and responsible government to the entire city. Now is your time to fulfill that promise.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Kabel
Chairman
District of Columbia Republican Committee
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