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Jamaica councilman takes stand during own misconduct hearing

By Michael Morton

Jennings appeared before a closed-door session of the Council's Standards and Ethics Committee and was expected to be cross-examined this week. The councilman is also charged with improper use of public resources and two counts of improper termination, and if the long-running hearing substantiates the accusations, he could face disciplinary action ranging from censure to expulsion in a majority vote before the full Council. The hearing began Sept. 23 after complaints from two of Jennings' staffers and two Council employees as well as from a female councilwoman. Jennings has denied the women's accusations, and he and his lawyer have said in public statements that the five were not attractive enough to have been romantically approached by the councilman, proving his innocence.The Daily News said the complaint from the councilwoman will now be considered in a separate hearing, to be held when the current one concludes. Committee members are barred from speaking about Jennings' case, and the report could not be confirmed.