Article: Old Hiring Habits Die Hard in D.C.; Fans, Foes Weigh In on Patronage

Robert Adams, a contractor who lives in Southeast Washington, tells of a friend who found jobs for four relatives at the D.C. Public Works Department. Another friend, a District police officer, helped a brother get hired by the city, Adams says.

So what's wrong with D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) using taxpayer money to hire his girlfriend as a consultant?

Absolutely nothing, Adams said. In fact, he expects government officials to take care of their friends and family, and he sees no harm as long as "they aren't hurting nobody. It's all about who you know, whether you've got the experience or not," said Adams, 53, sitting on his porch in Congress Heights. "That's the way the ...

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