City Council Investigates How Member's Sister Got Job

A few years ago, City Council member Larry Seabrook (D-Bronx) headed an effort to increase diversity in advertising agencies, resulting in 11 agencies agreeing to improve their minority hiring and promotion efforts (or else be subject to fine). One agency, Omnicom, also backed the creation of a diversity committee, committing millions. While it was widely praised, now the NY Times reports that Seabrook recommended his sister to head the committee, which City Council Speaker Christine Quinn didn't realize: "Ms. Quinn referred the matter this month to the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board and the Council’s Standards and Ethics Committee after learning of the relationship from a reporter." Omnicom tells the Times it realized Priscilla Jenkins, an Atlanta-based consultant, was Seabrook's sister on their own before they hired her and referred to her "extremely impressive résumé." Jenkins previously worked at Morris Brown College (where was praised) and has consulted for companies that receive money from Seabrook via the slush fund. The Times points out, "City regulations prohibit elected officials from using their positions to obtain financial gain or personal advantage for themselves or close family members."