The D.C. Council unanimously approved a resolution today that authorizes Robert Bennett, a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, to investigate whether Councilman Marion Barry (Ward 8) violated laws or ethics rules when he awarded a personal service contract to his then-girlfriend Donna Watts-Brighthaupt.
The resolution states that the investigation will also review D.C. laws and the council’s own rules, policies and procedures governing personal service contracts by council members and grants awarded to organizations through the budget process.
The resolution passed by voice vote, with even Barry voting in favor of it.
Bennett will have subpoena power throughout the investigation. His report and any recommendations for revisions to rules or laws will be due to the D.C. Council within 45 days of the conclusion of the investigation.
The move to authorize an investigation follows a heated press conference on Friday in which Council Chairman Vincent Gray announced that he is developing a code of conduct and ethics for councilmembers and staff. Councilman David Catania (At large) and Councilwoman Mary Cheh (Ward 3) walked out of the press conference when Barry began speaking to defend his innocence.
Bennett, who will work for the council on a pro bono basis, served as President Bill Clinton’s personal attorney in the Paula Jones case, and he represented then-New York Times reporter Judith Miller in the CIA leak investigation. He has also served as special counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics in several major investigations.
Comments