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Government of the District of
Columbia Office of the Inspector General 717 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 727-2540 January 14, 2002 The Honorable Anthony A. Williams The Honorable Linda W. Cropp Dear Mr. Mayor and Chairman Cropp: Under normal circumstances, I would not comment on an ongoing investigation. However, there have been recent expressions of impatience regarding the timing of the release of my investigative report about fundraising activities conducted by the Office of the Mayor which I believe warrant a response. Several individuals on the Council and in the Executive Office have rightly alluded to the many important consequences that might result from disclosure of my report findings. Many people have speculated that the findings could disclose criminal and/or inappropriate conduct, disclose detailed information about fundraising practices that may or may not have been appropriate, impact information about fundraising practices that may or may not have been appropriate, impact political developments during an election year, and impact the direction of new regulations and legislation to address fundraising activities. While I have not, and cannot now, share with you the scope or content of the investigation, nor can I concur with such speculations, I want you to know that I understand and appreciate the gravity of current circumstances and your sensitivity to them. It is for this reason that I am continuing to do all I can to reach closure on this enormously complicated investigation as soon as possible. I am confident that you understand that I must be absolutely sure to produce a report that is comprehensive, detailed, and accurate precisely because there is so much at stake. As I am also sure that there will be City Council hearings about the final report, you can expect me to provide detailed information about the process my Office used to manage the many unavoidable constraints that had to be overcome in order to achieve the earliest possible issuance. Consistent with the policy observed by almost all investigative and law enforcement agencies, I will refrain from speculating publicly about the timeline for issuing the final report because the nature of investigations does not lend itself to realistic or dependable projections. In fact, even speculation as to the approximate date may not be wise, as it can have a “chilling” effect on the conduct of the investigations. I must retain the flexibility to respond to investigative developments and to take steps to ensure thoroughness as well as fairness on behalf of all who are involved. In hope I have helped to provide some perspective about my intent and approach with regard to this important matter. I look forward to discussions with you about the investigations in detail once it has been completed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly, or have your staff contact my Chief of Staff, Gloria Johnson, at 202-727-2540. Sincerely, cc: All District of Columbia Councilmembers |
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