Chairman Mendelson?

Both Wapo and the Huffington Post are reporting that the likely interim successor to Kwame Brown will be Phil Mendelson. With a vacant seat, council-members must select an interim chair from among the at-large members.

Last week, Brown resigned as Chairman and pleaded guilty to felony bank fraud and to a misdemeanor campaign finance violation charge.  Earlier this year, Harry Thomas Jr. was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars earmarked for the District's youth. 

Phil Mendelson was first elected to the Council in November 1998. He is the Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary and is a member of four other committees: Health; Housing and Urban Affairs; Human Services; and Libraries, Parks, and Recreation.

Described as "mild mannered and bookish" Councilman Mendelson could be the even keel the corruption-plagued Council needs to get through the months leading up to the special election.  Here's Mr. Mendelson introducing himself earlier this year:

Farewell, Mr. Brown

Kwame Brown submitted his resignation last night:

June 6, 2012

Dear Madame Secretary:

I hereby resign my position as Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia effective immediately. I have made some very serious mistakes in judgment for which I will take full responsibility.

Because of the great respect that I have for the institution that is the Council of the District of Columbia, I have chosen the only honorable course in submitting my resignation at this time. I simply will not hold this body, and its important work hostage to the resolution of my personal indiscretions.

I have behaved in ways that I should not have. I was wrong, and I will face the consequences of that conduct. I have apologized to the residents of our great city, and I also offer my unconditional apology to the members of the Council for all of the negative attention that my conduct has brought about.

Sincerely,

Kwame R. Brown

Fully Loaded?

A roundup of linked headlines:

WTOP:  DC Council chair resigns after bank fraud charge

FOXdc:  DC Council chair Kwame Brown resigns, expected to make statement Thursday

Examiner:  D.C. Council chair resigns after fraud charge

Loose Lips:  Fully Unloaded

WaPo:  DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown resigns after bank fraud charge; city politics in turmoil

Another Special Election?

Speculation continues that Council Chairman Kwame Brown may be stepping down this summer.

The Washington Post reported that Brown had estimated the value of his home at $850,000 on a 2006 credit card application, even though the assessment on his property was $357,930 at the time.

WTOP reported that when asked about the ongoing federal investigation into his conduct, Chairman Brown shoved a reporter. 

All this is aside from the Chairman's insistence that the District provide a "fully loaded" Lincoln Navigator L with a DVD entertainment system.

Of course, DC politicians are known for thier ability to continue to serve regardless of the controversy around them - but Chairman Brown has stepped down from the chairmanship of the council’s Economic Development Committee.  It makes you wonder - what's next?



Kwame Brown Calling for GO-Go Hall of Fame at Chuck Brown's Memorial Service: