Tempers on the D.C. Council are hot over Councilman Marion Barry and his contract award to a girlfriend, as two of Barry’s colleagues walked out of a news conference that was called to formally announce an independent investigation into the former mayor.
At-large Councilman David Catania and Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh marched out of Chairman Vincent Gray’s news conference Friday afternoon after Gray allowed Barry to declare his innocence to the gathered media throng. Catania was overheard saying, “I can’t take this,” before standing up and leaving.
“I left because it was degenerating into a press conference for Marion Barry, and I didn’t want to be a part of that,” Cheh said afterward.
In a statement, Catania said he didn’t want to give the “false impression” that he was rallying to Barry’s side. The former mayor, Catania said, owes residents and taxpayers an apology.
“His refusal to do so continues a long-standing pattern of Councilmember Barry refusing to take personal responsibility for his actions,” Catania said.
Barry was arrested July 4 by a U.S. Park Police officer and charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brighthaup. Days later it was revealed that Barry had awarded Watts-Brighthaupt a contract while they were dating worth up to $60,000 in taxpayer funds. It remains unclear what Watts-Brighthaupt accomplished — she was paid $15,000 of the total.
The stalking charges were dropped Wednesday.
The council investigation will be conducted pro bono by Robert S. Bennett, a former federal prosecutor who currently leads his firm’s international government enforcement litigation group. His investigation will include whether the contract with Watts-Brighthaupt complied with District laws and council policy. Bennett will have subpoena power.
Gray called the investigation a “logical first step,” and he said he wouldn’t hesitate to turn over the results to the U.S. attorney if warranted. The review also may determine whether there are any additions or modifications needed to council ethics and contracting rules.
Barry said Friday the investigation would reveal that Watts-Brighthaupt was qualified to hold the contracted position. The work she produced, he said, “was more than adequate.”
“I have no doubt in my mind I followed all procedures,” Barry said.
The councilman’s spokeswoman said days earlier that Watts-Brighthaupt needed the work because she was about to lose her home and car.
There might not be a specific code of ethics guiding council actions, Cheh said, but there are rules of decorum and conflict of interest regulations. Whether Barry’s exploits need to be referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she said, “I don’t know.”
“I don’t need something written down to tell me I need to behave honorably,” Cheh said. “The public is my judge.””I don’t need something written down to tell me I need to behave honorably,” Cheh said. “The public is my judge.”
