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.
