D.C. Council to be interviewed in ethics probe

WASHINGTON - A prominent attorney who is investigating whether D.C. Council member Marion Barry violated any laws or ethics rules will personally interview every city council member on Thursday.

Robert S. Bennett, a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, is reviewing the council's rules and procedures that govern personal service contracts by council members and grants awarded to organizations through the budget process. He'll also work with the city to create an ethics policy.

Barry's hiring of his then-girlfriend Donna Watts-Brighthaupt came into question after he was accused of stalking. Prosecutors didn't pursue the case but it brought into question council policies.

Bennett, who was appointed by Council Chairman Vince Gray and who's best known for defending former president Bill Clinton against sexual harassment charges, will question each council member about what he has done, reports WTOP's Mark Plotkin.

Council members are not prohibited from hiring family members or people with whom they are close, if the individuals are qualified. Barry has contended that Watts-Brighthaupt was qualified for the $5,000-a-month city contract she received.

On a related note, Plotkin reports that two council members say earmarks in the city budget won't exist any more.

The earmarks give millions of dollars to cultural institutions and homeless organizations in the city.

Barry, the city's former mayor, helped establish the nonprofits that benefited from the money.

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