DC Council votes unanimously to expel Trayon White

The D.C. Council has voted unanimously to expel D.C. Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White. 

White is facing a criminal trial next year on federal bribery charges. 

DC councilmember Trayon White expelled from council

What they're saying:

D.C. Representative and Ward 8 resident Dr. Oye Owolewa released a statement following White's expulsion from the D.C. Council: 

"Today, I’m reflecting on the DC Council's decision to expel the council member of my home ward, Ward 8’s Councilmember Trayon White. As a ward 8 resident, I’ve seen this entire ordeal negatively impact my community. I’ve listened to debates on all aspects of this matter. I’ve also seen a collective loss in faith in our legal system, political leaders and the process in itself.

Roughly 90,000 of my ward 8 neighbors will be without a vote on legislation concerning our public safety, education and economy. In addition, people who are already skeptical about our government are further dissuaded from civic engagement.

At this point, as a former Neighborhood Commissioner, current DC Representative and ward 8 resident, I’ll continue to meet the needs of my neighbors here in ward 8 and beyond. I’ll continue to conduct Expungement Clinics to give returning citizens a true second chance and bolster public safety, host Capital Business Seminars to level the economic playing field and volunteer in DC public schools to provide DC kids early exposure to STEM careers. I ask all others to continue stepping up for our community.

All in all, I call on my ward 8 neighbors and the rest of DC to work together to overcome this. As I previously mentioned, collective action and not individual effort is our only way forward. Let’s pray and work together for the betterment of everyone who lives, works and enjoys ward 8 and the entire East of The River community. Thank you all and I hope to work with you soon.

Together, we can handle any challenge."

The backstory:

The ad hoc committee investigating bribery allegations against Washington, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White voted to recommend the expulsion of the embattled lawmaker back in December. 

The vote followed the committee's review of a damning report, which found "substantial evidence" that White violated the D.C. Code of Conduct in office.

"Let’s cut through the legal jargon. Trayon White is accused of taking bribes," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said in a statement Monday. "The prosecutors have established probable cause, our own independent investigation found substantial evidence that he took bribes, and public servants are prohibited from taking bribes. This is quintessential corruption."

RFK Stadium D.C. takeover

The backstory:

President Joe Biden has signed the bill that gives D.C. control of the RFK Stadium site, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says, effectively opening up the opportunity for the District to lure the Commanders back to town. 

FOX 5 spoke with Bowser shortly after she says Biden put his signature on the legislation. 

Related

Architect's vision for RFK site includes timber stadium surrounded by housing

A Boston-based architecture firm is already making its pitch for what a new Commanders stadium could look like in D.C.

"I just left the White House where the president put his signature on our bill," Bowser told FOX 5 Monday. "So now, it’s officially law and the District controls 177 acres on the Anacostia River. So we’re really excited to take possession of the RFK property." 

Washington, D.C.News