January 25, 1999
Statement by David Howard Regarding His Resignation as Director of the Office of the Public Advocate
I have resigned my position as Director of the Office of the Public Advocate for the Government of the District of Columbia effective January 25, 1999.
On January 19, in a conversation with two employees, I used the word "niggardly" in reference to my administration of a fund. Although the word, which is defined as miserly, does not have any racial connotations, I realize that staff members present were offended by the word. I immediately apologized.
Since January 15, I have received many phone calls from individuals who had heard I had made a vicious racist remark, the text of which was actually said and in fact unquotable here. I would never think of making a racist remark. I regret that the word I did use offended anyone. I realize this rumor has severely compromised my effectiveness as the District's Public Advocate and in the best interest of my office, I resigned.
