“I have urged Council Member [Harry] Thomas to consider seriously doing what is best for his family and his constituents as he moves forward from the settlement,” said D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown earlier this week, responding to news that his Ward 5 colleague had reached an agreement in a lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan. Thomas has promised to repay $300,000 of public funds officially identified for underserved youth. According to Nathan, Thomas diverted that money for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of a luxury sport utility vehicle.
“The council’s Code of Ethics demands that members act solely in the public interest and not for any personal gain,” Brown continued in his prepared statement. “Members must keep the public’s trust and the integrity of the District government at the forefront of any decision making. No member is above reproach.”
What does Brown mean, really? It’s hard to discern. Unfortunately, he is a member of that school of politicians who have mastered the art of doublespeak and empty talk.
“It’s disappointing and unsettling that our leadership is out to lunch,” said D.C. Republican Committee Chairman Robert Kabel, who argued that Brown said “nothing” and that every council member should demand Thomas’ step down.
Brown’s spokesman made clear to The Washington Examiner’s Freeman Klopott that the chairman wasn’t calling for Thomas’ resignation, as had Council Members David Catania and Mary Cheh. Not unlike Ward 4’s Muriel Bowser and at-large Councilman Phil Mendelson, Brown walked the wimp’s walk, offering comment but not quite calling for Thomas to step aside.
Brown may be reluctant because he also is under investigation for allegedly mishandling campaign contributions during his 2008 election. Folks could soon call for his resignation.
Unless he’s formally charged by the U.S. attorney, Brown will remain head of the legislature. He has the duty and responsibility to act, as he told Thomas, solely in the public’s interest.
There is no equivocation. The District is not served by the presence in the legislature of a politician who misused taxpayers’ money intended for the city’s youth.
In fact, there is an indisputable injustice by his continued service: The people whose money Thomas allegedly stole would be forced to continue to pay his $130,000 annual salary. The victim is assaulted yet again.
That should be intolerable to any person who believes in justice and who understands the importance of standing against the march of corruption.
Back in the 1990s, then-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and law-and-order proponents activated a crime-fighting strategy that sought immediate response to even the most minor of offenses, including violations by landlords that made neighborhoods more inviting to criminals.
If District legislators don’t secure Thomas’ resignation, they should be held responsible for creating fertile ground for the budding culture of corruption in city government and politics. They would have allowed it not just to take root, but also to thrive.
Doublespeak, empty talk and timidity are ineffective in any fight against corruption.
Jonetta Rose Barras’ column appears on Monday and Wednesday. She can be reached at [email protected].
