A Troubling Arrest in D.C.

HOURS after the arrest of his longtime chief of staff on bribery charges, D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) told reporters that he was "deeply troubled," that he would cooperate with law enforcement authorities and that he -- most emphatically -- denied any "engagement whatsoever in any illegal or unethical behaviors." It was reassuring to hear Mr. Graham's forceful words, and he is right that no allegations ("not even a hint") have been lodged against him. Nonetheless, more needs to be known about Mr. Graham introducing legislation at the time his aide is alleged to have been taking money to push it.

Ted G. Loza, 44, was arrested Thursday morning on bribery charges. Federal agents executed search warrants on his office in the John A. Wilson Building. He is accused of accepting a "stream of things of value" -- including cash, trips and the use of vehicles -- to aid an unnamed individual with ties to the taxicab industry. The 10-page federal indictment alleges this individual hoped to limit the number of taxicab licenses issued by the D.C. government, while creating an exception for hybrid vehicles. Mr. Loza pleaded not guilty, and his attorney said his innocence will be established when all the facts come out.

Separate from those legal proceedings is the issue of the public's business. D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) issued a statement that he will meet with Mr. Graham to determine whether the investigation will have any bearing on council operations. Key, of course, is that Mr. Graham chairs the Committee on Public Works and Transportation and in June introduced a bill designed to limit the number of cab operators. Allegations that Mr. Loza tried to influence this legislation raise questions about how or whether the committee can even proceed with it. Mr. Graham said that the bill was the result of a recommendation by a task force. It's important that he provide a full accounting of its genesis and development, disclosing all meetings and contacts.