Controversy surrounds DC Lottery report

Stake holders have attacked a report delivered by D.C. Inspector General Charles Willoughby saying “he has difficulty discerning questionable behaviours”.

An investigation was called on the controversial award of the lucrative D.C. Lottery tender to Intralot, however, the report surmised there was insufficient evidence to imply that improprieties were committed by council members in the award of the tender. .

The Washington Post says: “Let’s recap: Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi appears to have violated procurement laws [adding online provisions after award of the contract]; Councilman Michael Brown knowingly flouted conflict of interest laws; and City Councilman Ward-1 Jim Graham apparently strong-armed a business owner, all according to this report but Willoughby concluded no one did anything wrong”.

“At this point, absent a federal review, I’m uncertain this mess will ever be resolved,” said Eric Payne, the CFO procurement manager fired by Gandhi after requesting the Inspector General investigation.

A hearing on the repeal of the measure, chaired by political opponent Councilman Jack Evans and supported by another opponent Ward 6 councilor Tommy Wells, will convene on January 26 (tomorrow), with Willoughby expected to testify.

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