Park View, D.C.

For those not on listervs, Councilmember Jim Graham posted a response to this week’s City Paper’s Loose Lips feature on Ted Loza on the georgia_avenue listserv this morning. His message is below:

Dear Friends,

 Far too many times we’ve seen news outlets pry into the personal lives of public servants. Rummaging through dirty laundry and printing “he said, she said” allegations is a sure-fire method for constructing a poor image of anyone’s character.

 At times, we all make mistakes and exercise poor judgment. When loved ones, friends or colleagues make mistakes I don’t turn my back to them. I do my best to help with support, healing and learning. As to the abortion that Ted and his friend chose to have done, I loaned Ted the money (via authorized use of my credit card) which he promptly paid back. As anyone can imagine, this was an extraordinarily  difficult time for them and the financial burden would have only compounded their challenges. I was in a position to help.  

 I have always supported a woman’s right to choice.

 Bests, CM Jim Graham

According to WUSA9, Councilmember Graham is also under investigation for alleged bribery. The entire story can be found here>>

Below is an excerpt from the WUSA9 story:

Sources close to the FBI probe tell 9NEWS NOW that Councilman Graham is also a target of the probe. The … Councilman has obtained legal counsel, James Cooper, a former assistant U.S. attorney now with of Arnold and Porter law firm. Graham says he’s done nothing wrong and knew of no wrong doing on Loza’s part.

Whether you are a supporter of Jim Graham or not, he’s clearly having a tough time with the indictment of his chief of staff, Ted Loza (see the City Paper’s City Desk focus on the indictment here>>).

Outside of what’s been in the papers and online with this recent embarrassment to our Councilmember, there has been some quick organizing to further diminish Graham’s stature and prepare for a change at the next election.

Upon my return home today, I discovered an automated message on my phone from a Republican organization claiming to not be affiliated with any political candidate reminding folks that Loza is the second employee of Graham’s to be arrested for criminal behavior. It also casts doubt on Graham’s effectiveness as a leader within the City Council and ends by stating that anyone but Graham needs to be elected the next time out.

Honestly, I was surprised to have such a message on my phone awaiting my return, and as to Graham not getting re-elected … someone of substance and ability will need to actually run against him.

Jim Graham hit the listservs this morning with his statement in response to the arrest of his Chief of Staff, Ted Loza. Below is that statement if you missed it.

Dear Friends,

I was deeply upset and deeply saddened to learn that Ted Loza was arrested yesterday by the FBI on charges of taking a bribe.

As my constituents, I want you to know –

I have not personally engaged in any illegal behavior or activity.

What Teddy allegedly did in no way influenced any action I took on legislation. Indeed, Teddy generally is not involved, nor is he consulted on legislative matters which are instead handled by myself and our committee staff.

As I said to FBI agents yesterday, I will fully cooperate with their investigation bringing forth all of the information relevant and needed.

I have placed Teddy on administrative leave effective yesterday, with pay, until there are further developments. Teddy–like all of us-is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

If you have concerns or questions, please let me know–as always–by using this direct email address for me.

Sincerely, Councilmember Jim Graham

Here is an item of interest from the Washington Post. While it isn’t necessarily about Park View, since it involves the office of our Councilman it is well worth noting.

The Post reports that D.C. Councilman Jim Graham’s (D-Ward 1) chief of staff was arrested on bribery charges this morning, according to law enforcement sources. The article states:

Ted G. Loza, 44, was taken into custody at his home in the 1400 block of Columbia Road NW and is scheduled to make an appearance Thursday in the District’s federal court. A dozen federal agents raided Loza’s offices at city hall just hours after arresting him.

The charges stem from alleged bribes Loza took from an unidentified person in the taxi cab industry, court papers show.

It will be interesting to follow this story. You can read the entire Post article here>>