Photo by philliefan99.

A report written by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh regarding the hiring practices of the Vince Gray administration appeared to downplay the Mayor’s direct responsibility for the actions of his underlings. But don’t tell that to Gray, who said in a statement released this morning that he “take[s] full responsibility” for said mistakes.

Gray’s full statement on the report:

“I want to thank Councilmember Cheh and the committee for their investigation and report. While no one is more disappointed than I am that former members of my administration engaged in untoward behavior, I continue to take full responsibility for mistakes made by myself and members of my staff in the beginning weeks of my administration. When issues were raised, I requested a full and complete investigation by this body and others and I instituted policies, practices and staff changes to ensure compliance with personnel rules, directives and regulations. I remain committed to leading an administration with integrity, transparency and openness, and in coming weeks will announce a series of further measures to help repair and restore the public trust in our government.”

So it’s “integrity, transparency and openness” versus “nepotism, cronyism and perjury,” I guess. Cheh’s Special Committee on the Investigation of Executive Personnel Practices will break from Council recess to vote on the approval of the report this afternoon at 2 p.m. this afternoon.