Graham recuses himself from D.C. cab industry work
By: Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer
October 20, 2009
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| FILE: An employee of Ace Auto shop speaks with a DC cab driver on May 1, 2008 in the North East Section of Washington, DC. (TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images) |
D.C. Councilman Jim Graham has walked away from oversight of taxicab-related issues in the wake of a massive bribery scandal and the arrest of his chief of staff. In a letter to Council Chairman Vincent Gray on Monday, Graham said he had decided, "upon reflection," to "voluntarily step aside temporarily from any D.C. Council responsibilities involving the taxicab industry." The Ward 1 councilman chairs the Public Works and Transportation Committee.
"Though I have committed no crime, nor am I reportedly the target of any investigation, I want to ensure that Taxicab Commission oversight continues without any distractions relating to the Ted Loza indictment," Graham wrote.
Loza, Graham's right-hand man, was arrested last month and charged with accepting $1,500 in cash to steer taxicab-related legislation through Graham's committee. More than 35 people were arrested weeks later, accused of bribing D.C. Taxicab Commissioner Leon Swain to illegally obtain taxi licenses and create new taxi companies.
Graham requested that taxi issues remain within the Committee of the Whole, which Gray oversees.
