In a recent development, prominent D.C. attorney Edward Grandis, who is openly gay, is urging D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie to investigate allegations of false and defamatory claims against him. Grandis, who has served on the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis (ABC) Board for the past four years, believes these allegations played a role in Mayor Muriel Bowser’s decision not to reappoint him to a second four-year term on the ABC Board.
Seeking Justice and Transparency In a letter to McDuffie, Grandis points the finger at Steve Walker, the former director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA), for not allowing him to respond to allegations that he violated city ethics rules. These allegations accused Grandis of representing business clients regulated by the ABC Board in his private law practice. Furthermore, Grandis claims that Walker failed to inform him about allegations related to his residency, suggesting he no longer lived in D.C., which could disqualify him from serving on the ABC Board.
Defending His Reputation Grandis vehemently denies these allegations and emphasizes that he meets all residency requirements for the appointment. He also highlights that his law practice and clients were previously cleared by the D.C. Board of Ethics and Government Accountability when he was first nominated for his position on the ABC Board in 2019. Grandis expresses his surprise and dismay at the accusations, stating, “To say I was surprised by such defamatory accusations… does not reflect the anxiety such falsehoods cause.”
A Call for Clarity While Grandis respects Mayor Bowser’s authority to make appointments, he is concerned that her decision may have been based on false information. He has reached out to individuals connected to the mayor’s office to address his concerns and explore the possibility of being considered for other vacant ABC Board positions. As the controversy unfolds, there is growing interest in whether Grandis’s allegations have merit, with key figures involved yet to respond to inquiries.
The LGBTQ Perspective Edward Grandis, an openly gay man with deep ties to the LGBTQ nightlife scene in D.C., brought a unique perspective to the ABC Board. His supporters argue that his knowledge and experience were valuable in making informed decisions regarding LGBTQ-related businesses with liquor licenses. Council member Brooke Pinto has also expressed concern about Grandis’s non-reappointment, particularly highlighting his representation of Ward 2, where he has resided and practiced law for over 30 years.
The controversy surrounding Edward Grandis’s removal from the ABC Board raises questions about transparency, fairness, and the impact of allegations on the careers of LGBTQ individuals serving in public positions. As the investigation unfolds, many will be closely watching for answers and potential resolution.