FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 20, 2024
Contact: Victoria Casarrubias, Communications Director
PINTO STATEMENT REGARDING BRIBERY CHARGES AGAINST COUNCILMEMBER TRAYON WHITE
Washington, DC – Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, released the following statement regarding the arrest and indictment of Councilmember Trayon White:
“Integrity is not something that we can take for granted; it must be affirmatively maintained each and every day. I am deeply troubled by the federal allegations leveled against Councilmember White that undermine the public’s and my confidence in the provision of impartial and fair public contracting and good governance in the District.
“As Chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, I am particularly concerned by the connection between this alleged impropriety and the provision of government services and contracts for our violence intervention programs. Our violence intervention programs must operate at the highest level of efficacy to save lives and heal communities across the District, and an alleged pay-for-play scheme severely undermines these efforts. I will be holding rigorous public hearings this fall to evaluate the potential reach of these allegations and ensure the efficacy of, and restore public trust in, our violence intervention efforts.
“I also support Chairman Mendelson’s decision to remove Councilmember White from his Chairmanship of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs while an ad hoc Council Committee carries forward an investigation into his conduct as an elected official. I hope that Councilmember White considers the distrust these allegations will continue to inflict as the Council continues our important work of governing. I will be working with my colleagues and the Ward 8 Council Office to ensure that the Ward 8 community and residents receive the support and collaboration they need during this difficult time.
“District residents deserve honest and ethical leadership across our government, and these developments highlight the importance of integrity and accountability for all our public officials.”
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