Wells Proposing Tougher Rules For D.C. Lawmakers

D.C. Ward 6 Council Member Tommy Wells is calling for tougher ethics rules for city lawmakers.

Wells, who has said he will likely run for mayor, will announce Thursday night at the Ward 3 Democrats meeting a host of new ethics reform measures that go much further than anything on the books, and likely rankle his colleagues on the council in the process.

Included in the package is a ban on contributions from corporations and lobbyists, an end to constituent service funds, and a prohibition on outside employment for all council members.

The ban on outside employment has been suggested before, and was strongly opposed by the handful council members who work second jobs, a list that includes: Jack Evans, Michael Brown, David Catania, and Mary Cheh, who represents Ward 3, the site of tonight's meeting.

Last year, Wells offered up strict ethics proposals when the council was debating new legislation but his amendments were rejected by his colleagues... this year, Mayor Gray announced a sweeping package of new ethic laws -- Wells says he welcomes Gray s legislation -- and says the council shouldn t punt on ethics reform again.