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Evans: D.C. Council Shouldn't Review Large Contracts

By: Patrick Madden // September 19, 2012
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A D.C. Council member wants to strip the council of its power to review contracts worth more than $1 million.

Council member Jack Evans plans will introduce a bill Wednesday that would eliminate the requirement that the council give its nod to the city's larger contracts, according to the Associated Press.

Evans argues the contract review authority contributes to an atmosphere of corruption. When the council meddles in contracts, says Evans, it's usually for political reasons and not because of the merits of the award. Evans, a Democrat, plans to run for mayor.

The council's contract review authority has come under scrutiny since the 2009 award of the District's lucrative lottery contract, which some critics say was rebid because of political pressure. A federal grand jury is investigating the circumstances surrounding the lottery contract.

Because the bill would require amending the city charter, it would have to be actively approved by Congress if the council passes it.

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