WASHINGTON — Ward 8 residents and leaders planned a night of healing and unity in Southeast DC on Monday with a town hall.
The meeting comes just one week after Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, was arrested by the FBI, for allegedly stealing $35,000 in a bribery scheme, and expecting thousands more in kickbacks.
On Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ensured the residents of Southeast that the matter is being addressed, in an attempt to regain the public's trust.
“We have a system in place that deals with issues when people don’t follow the rules and the council and law enforcement are proceeding,” Mayor Bowser said.
Following White's arrest, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said he would establish a committee to look into the allegations against White and to remove him from the committee and as chairman of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs.
Mendelson believes the allegations against White could hinder the public’s trust.
“The fact that an elected official could be accused like this- as far as the public’s concerned - but then also the public trust hurts when the public feels the council is not being responsive.” Mendelson, said.
Meanwhile, event organizers and local leaders in support of White say it’s too soon to be thinking of a replacement
“We want the residents of Ward 8 to be made whole, coming out with a same solution, as to how to go into election November 5th,” Brother Harold Hunter with The black men’s movement of Washington DC, said.
“I’m hoping residents of Ward 8 come out and support councilmember until he is tried and proven guilty,” Paul Trantham-ANC commissioner, said.
The town hall was closed off to the media at the last minute, so it is unclear what solutions they came to on White's arrest and the ward's need for a councilmember.
As for White, he is expected back in court for a status conference on Sept. 19 at 3 p.m.
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