Harry Jaffe: D.C. Council passes a toothless ethics code

Up on the dais, there were huzzahs all around Tuesday when the D.C. Council passed its new “Code of Official Conduct.”

I use the term “new” very loosely; the code passed yesterday is an amalgamation of various rules and regulations and suggestions that have been around for some time. I would have at least added “don’t talk on your cell phone during meetings.” I have seen council members questioning a witness with a cell phone to their ear.