NORTHEAST: Chicago-Style Machine Politics?

Who said D.C. didn't have interesting ward politics? According to an online update from the The Common Denominator, two advisory neighborhood commissioners in Northeast were provided with trips to Orlando by the proprietors of a controversial halfway-house operated by Bannum Inc.
 
From The Common Denominator:

Bannum provided the trips to Orlando, Fla., in June 2002 to showcase operations at one of its halfway houses for federal prisoners to ANC commissioners Joseph Bowser and Rhonda Chappelle while Bannum was attempting to get zoning approval to open a halfway house in the District. The halfway house at 2210 Adams Place NE currently is operating while Bannum appeals a Board of Zoning Adjustment ruling that found the D.C. government issued permits for the corrections facility in violation of zoning regulations.

 
Bannum was fined $4,000 for the complimentary Orlando trips.
 
This reminds the Oculus of an ugly rumor (pushed by local bartenders) circulating around MCI-ville last year of payouts allegedly given to advisory neighborhood commissioners to approve a controversial new bar in the neighborhood. 
 
"Halfway house operator fined for providing ANCs with trips to Florida" [The Common Denominator]