Councilmember Jim Graham Reaches Out To “Friends”
Today, Councilmember Jim Graham reached out to "friends" hoping that they would read the Washington Post story in which sources declared that the Ward One politician was not a person of interest in the bribery corruption saga. Graham pledged that he would cooperate fully with law enforcement.
Read the full letter after the jump.
Graham writes:
"Dear Friends,
In regards to the recent arrest of Teddy Loza, we should all be patient while the authorities conduct their investigation. Corruption is a very serious matter. As much as anyone else, I want this investigation to be thorough and all guilty parties held to account. I have pledged 100% cooperation to the FBI.
I have committed no wrongdoing or crime.
Please also keep in mind that the Washington Post on September 30 (linked here) reported—based on law enforcement sources– that I am neither a 'target' nor a 'person of interest' in the FBI investigation.
Bests Councilmember Jim Graham"
4:17 pm
What is this "Teddy" bs? Isn't this slimeball like 46?
Interestingly, defenses of Graham have been very few and very far between in the media. His "friends" won't even stick up for him anonymously.
4:23 pm
I say this as someone who knows Jim, and has often appreciated his service on Council:
Jim: sincerely, cut Loza off, now. We've all heard enough to make a judgement that somehow escapes you: he is dirty, and does not deserve a public position or paycheck now, and from the facts CP has reported, did not deserve those even before the bribery sting.
This goes beyond the FBI's target list. By keeping Ted, you have made this matter, on an add'l track, as much about your judgement.
Cut him off, then show some humility before the people, forfeit the taxi legislation to a colleague, institute a new ethics policy, bkgrd screenings, pledge to limit your funding sources somehow, apologize, and hit the damned restart button.
Wake up.
7:37 pm
Sigh.
Yes, reading all of this about corruption is disheartening, no question about it. There are a million thoughts that come up. But I must be fair and realize that though Graham has probably stayed too long, and too comfortably in his position as Lord of Ward One, he has also been an unflagging worker and advocate for many of the constituents here in the tiny kingdom. Who among his constituents has not had a problem that wasn't speedily resolved by the councilmember? I think we all have. He fought the good fight for many tenants up and down Columbia Road. I attended a couple of rallies in support of better living conditions at those rundown apartments. He was there. And so was Ted Loza often. He came down on the wrong side of the plastic bag issue, but that's easily forgiven. I am no expert on the Wilson building or the mayor's office, but it does seem that there's just this easy environment of corruption and over time (or not, maybe from the getgo, I don't know) perhaps Graham and his staff have fallen prey to it. I think he should go, I just wanted - before I pile on, and I will pile on - to acknowledge that the man is a hard worker, and has been. Perhaps he drove Ted too hard, maybe he drove others too hard. But he is/was a responsive councilmember.
7:50 pm
@ JM: Well said. You're right on all counts.
11:00 pm
i miss the old jemal days, now there was an investigation that went somewhere.....
11:51 pm
Interestingly Jim seems to have avoided the mass of "friends" convened in his ward for the Convocation on Marriage. Perhaps he knew that there would be just too many in that crowd who know the Graham history. It would be tough for Jim to maintain this "freedom from taint" pose in a large group of savvy gay activists, too many knowing glares, too many averted eyes.
Fred, trust me, Graham was not corrupted by the Wilson Building culture. He built his own corrupt culture years ago.
JM - Ted Loza was once an honest, earnest young man, then he got close to Jim Graham.
7:36 am
He's got friends? Graham's a has been regardless of what happens to teddy.
7:46 am
What IS the Jim Graham history, then? Do tell.