FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2011
Thomas Releases Statement Regarding Settlement Agreement with Office
of the Attorney General
Washington, DC-Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.
today issued the following statement regarding the settlement agreement he
has reached with the Office of the Attorney General:
"Serving as the Councilman for Ward 5 residents is my greatest
honor. In an effort to continue to focus on my most important goals –
improving the lives of my constituents in Ward 5 and the residents of
Washington, DC — I have agreed to a settlement. I feel this is in the
best interest of the city.
I have committed my life to teaching life skills to children through
sports and athletic competition. The discipline and strenuous rigors that
I teach through coaching and mentoring were lacking in the management of
the organization.
As I have stated before, the allegations in the Attorney General’s
complaint about there being no service provided and a purposeful misuse of
any funds are not true. That is why the settlement does not have any
agreement of wrongdoing.
It is not uncommon for grantees, including DC agencies receiving
federal funds, to have expenditures disallowed. It is my desire to move
forward with the disposition of this matter in a way that will cause the
least disruption to my family and my constituency, and that will save the
DC government and its citizens the time and expense of litigation, as
well.
I appreciate the trust the citizens have placed in me during these
allegations. I have used my role as councilmember to tend to the needs and
interests of those who I have the privilege to serve. These actions are
being taken to ensure that the trust the public has placed in me is
maintained and honored."
Any questions regarding this matter may be directed to Fred Cooke of
Rubin Winston, Diercks, Harris & Cooke, L.L.P. Mr. Cooke can be
reached.