Gray's Chief Of Staff Is Out, Administration Looks To Move Past Scandals

Things have a way of moving very quickly these days at the Wilson Building, as the Gray administration scrambles to stay on top of all the mini-scandals and distractions.

Hall, then the chief of staff, spoke outside a council hearing Wednesday afternoon. She was there to testify about all of the personnel problems that have plagued the Gray administration.

"I am still employed and I'll be testifying shortly," she said.

That testimony never happened.

This is Mayor Gray just a few hours later at a hastily-called pres conference: "I have requested and accepted the resignation of my chief of staff Gerri Hall."

There had been a chorus of calls for Hall's resignation this week.

The former human resources executive has overseen an administration befallen by human resources problems: questions of nepotism, the hiring of Sulaimon Brown, illegal salary increases.

Gray says he hopes the resignation will restore confidence in the government. But if he was hoping to turn the page from all of the scandals at city hall, that may not happen right away -- Thursday, the council holds its hearing on those expensive SUVs the mayor and council chairman leased.

Also Thursday, a House Congressional committee announced it would investigate allegations by Brown, who claims he was paid cash and promised a job by the Gray campaign to criticize then Mayor Adrian Fenty during the race.