Some folks have complained about U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa’s decision to examine the recent scandal involving Mayor Vincent Gray. Under the current construct, Congress serves as the District’s state legislature. Therefore, it’s acceptable for the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has jurisdiction over District affairs, to investigate the charges that have been made by Sulaimon Brown. Brown, a 2010 mayoral candidate, has alleged he was promised a job and paid cash by Gray’s campaign to remain in the race and attack incumbent Mayor Adrian Fenty. The city’s Office of Campaign Finance, the FBI, and U.S. Attorney have each opened separate reviews. Now Issa, a California Republican, has joined the pack.
But he shouldn’t stop at the executive suite. The legislature has its own unique ethical issues. Everyone has heard about the problems of Council Chairman Kwame Brown, which emanate from his penchant for fancy vehicles leased at taxpayers’ expense. But what about those months-old allegations that Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. operated his nonprofit organization like a political slush fund. They need to be scrutinized but have been overshadowed by accusations against the mayor.
An investigation of Thomas by the D.C. Attorney General began in November — but the status of that probe is unknown. Interim AG Irvin Nathan has declined to provide information.
But many D.C. residents have not forgotten the accusations. Moreover, they have become increasingly worried the allegations against Thomas suggest there could be possible conflicts of interest with regard to his role as chairman of the Council’s Committee on Planning and Government Operations.
Thomas was accused of running a nonprofit organization — Team Thomas — whose license had been revoked. He also allegedly collected money without a proper permit. By his own admission, he received more than $200,000 from various individuals and organizations; it appears he didn’t report that income to federal or local tax agencies.
Particularly troublesome has been Thomas’ failure to disclose the names of Team Thomas’ donors — although he promised to do so. Residents and government officials have said they are worried he could be presiding over projects or issues whose outcomes might favorably affect contributors to his organization. In other words, there may be conflicts of interest.
“I have no conflict which prevents me from performing my duties,” Thomas told me. “Remember those are only allegations.”
Still, people who follow the issue suggest Thomas should be asked to relinquish his committee chairmanship until he discloses names of Team Thomas contributors or until the AG’s investigation has been completed.
Don’t expect Chairman Brown to make that request. He declined through a spokeswoman to comment on the Thomas investigation. He “relies on a member,” he said, “to disclose a conflict or potential conflict of interest.”
Interestingly, the lawyer Thomas hired to represent him in the AG probe also serves on the board of an organization that has a contract with the city.
Issa, where are you?
Jonetta Rose Barras’ column appears on Monday and Wednesday. She can be reached at [email protected].
