Chuck Burger, Chair of Nominations and Credentials, gave a brief report on the “very important matter” of a challenge to a seat on EMCAC by a newly-formed organization, the Eastern Market Preservation Development Corporation (EMPDC). The new EMPDC is seeking to replace an already existing representative of an organization with the same name which was formed at the inception of EMCAC and the passage of the Eastern Market legislation in 1999.
Burger has sought legal guidance from numerous sources including the Office of the Attorney Generals, and said he was told that the matter ‘rests with EMCAC’ .
Burger promised to bring the new application forward once he and Co-Chair Susan Oursler had met, saying they would have a recommendation at the September meeting.
Market Construction Manager Sentenced to Prison
On July 22, Keith Forney of Forney Enterprises Inc. (FEI) was sentenced to 6 months in prison for making illegal contributions to three different campaigns for DC Council. In addition, Forney was sentenced to an additional 36 month suspended sentence on charges of fraud, perjury and corrupt practices.
The fraud and perjury convictions stemmed from charges that Forney falsely claimed to live at a DC address in order to obtain preference points for his company in bidding for DC government contracts.
The evidence established at trial alleged that in previous years, including 2008 Forney, submitted applications to the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and falsely listed his address as in the District.
ON April 10, 2008, City Council approved an $8.1 million-dollar contract to Forney Enterprises to manage the renovation of the Eastern Market.
Potluck dinner
The 7th annual Eastern Market Pot Luck dinner is scheduled for August 7th at 7 p.m. The event is free to the community but all attending are encouraged to bring a dish or to contribute $20 as a donation.
More than 250 community members are expected. Music will be provided by Bill Alfred who sings and plays the piano. For more information or to make a reservation contact barry.margson@dc.gov.
