D.C. lawmaker Jack Evans writes letter returning $50,000 payment from digital sign company

A consulting firm owned by D.C. Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) received a $50,000 payment from a digital sign company that was contending with scrutiny from city regulators. Evans, who said the payment was a retainer for legal services he would perform outside the District, returned the checks and months later proposed legislation that would have aided the sign firm.

SE Consulting, LLC
3141 Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

August 25:. 2016 I

Mr. Donald MacCord
Founder and Principal
Digi Outdoor Media Inc.
?812 6th Street NE .
Washington, DC 20002

Dear Don,

It has very recently come to my attention that your company is currently engaged in a
potential dispute with the District of Columbia government regarding the erection of digital
displays (electronic signs). This is an issue that may soon come before the Council and is an also
an issue that may affect residents and busineSSes in Ward 2. For that. reason, I think that it is best
that NSE Consulting should not begin a consulting arrangement with you and your company
until this issue is resolved. As'l hope that I relayed to you during our. initial conversations? I
have the ability to recuse myself from Council votes Whenever a con?ict or a potential con?ict
exists. However, with an issue such as this one that may directly affect my constituents
believe that it is in both of our best interests for me to delay the initiation of a business
relationship with your company while this potential. conflict exists. I

For the foregoing reasons, I am returning the initial payment checks that you provided to
NSE Consulting. Both are enclosed with this letter. We can resume discussions about the need
for a consulting arrangement between your company and NSE Consulting as soon as the digital
display issue'is resolved.

Thank you for your understanding.

3/

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Jack Evans

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J?v. --

Enclosures