Public money, public image

The D.C. Council should be applauded for starting an investigation into Marion Barry’s awarding of a contract to former paramour Donna Watts-Brighthaupt. Chairman Vincent C. Gray’s decision to tap Robert S. Bennett, a former federal prosecutor, to lead the probe gives it a patina of seriousness.

“We want the public to be as satisfied as they possibly can that this issue has been addressed,” Gray said during a news conference attended by several council members, including Barry, who shamelessly accused the U.S. Park Police of wrongdoing.