Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie has released the following statement on Councilmember Jack Evans
“I am deeply troubled by recent reports regarding a WMATA investigation which concluded that Councilmember Jack Evans violated WMATA’s code of ethics and subsequently decided to resign from his position on the Board.
As a former prosecutor, and someone who has previously chaired a Council ad hoc committee, I believe deeply in the principles of fairness, justice, and due process. My unique experience as a prosecutor and someone who has witnessed both the good and the bad of our justice system on a personal and professional level has informed how I respond in times like this. So, I would caution against predetermining the outcome and discipline of an ad hoc committee prior to gathering all relevant facts and evidence.
Again, the allegations are incredibly troubling. More troubling and potentially damaging to the Council’s public integrity, however, is a contrived ad hoc committee process driven by politics.
As I have discussed with Chairman Mendelson, other Council colleagues, and concerned Ward 5 residents, I agree that Councilmember Evans should resign from the WMATA board and support the establishment of a Council ad hoc committee and appropriate steps to immediately address matters relating to Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans.“