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51 stories matching transpar
- The Mayoral Candidate Who Wanted to Open the City’s Books
Running on a platform of transparency, Frank S. Dement challenged the city's plan to purchase the Thomas ranch for $25,000, calling for a 'business administration' that prioritized public oversight.
- The Struggle for Civic Access: The WCTU’s 1885 Fight Against Liquor Licensing
A local chapter of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union pushes for a formal transparency process, demanding public notice and character checks for liquor license applicants in early Seattle.
- Council Rejects Monopoly Bid for Fire Alarm Contract
After the Gamewell company tried to submit double bids to secure a lucrative contract, the city council handed the deal to their competitor.
- The Fire That Paid: How a Grocery Store’s Loss Became a Lesson in Civic Trust
When a fire destroyed the premises of Mossfeldt & Pratt on Jackson Street, their insurance company didn't just pay up—they published a public thank-you note. A rare moment of transparency in 1889 Seattle.
- The Treasurer’s Secret
Tacoma city officials clash over financial transparency as a local treasurer refuses to disclose where public funds are being deposited.
- The Transparency Tax: A Seattle Taxpayer Rails Against Red Tape
In 1877, a frustrated taxpayer penned a public letter attacking the County Commissioners for mandating expensive, redundant audits of public records, arguing that government transparency should be an everyday right, not a high-priced administrative burden.
- The Mystery of the Solid Rock Fish
Workers drilling a deep well near Ruston were shocked to find a live, pale fish emerge from 140 feet below the surface.
- The Boycott of the Famous Shoe House
Nine clerks are arrested for libel after attempting to organize an 'early closing' movement by boycotting a merchant who refused to shut his doors at 6 p.m.
- The Industrial Army's Seattle and Tacoma Divisions Near Collapse
Striking workers and the 'Industrial Army' face infighting and skeptical local authorities as they try to push for transport to Washington, D.C.
- A Fake Labor Endorsement Backfires
A mysterious 'open letter' from supposed labor advocates is exposed as a fraudulent campaign tactic by the Walla Walla Trades Council.
- A Candidate's Plea for 'Pitiless Publicity'
Republican commissioner candidate R. E. Pratt argues that county government should be run like a corporation and demands greater transparency in public affairs.
- The Senator Who Stood on the Train
In the dead of night, a torch-lit mob marched through Spokane to greet U.S. Senator Warren G. Squire. But as he stepped onto the platform to deliver his victory speech, the rails betrayed him: the train pulled away before he could finish, leaving only his voice echoing into the dark.
- Election Fever Grips Aberdeen
Skyrockets and torchlights marked a rowdy political rally on Heron Street as supporters celebrated the national ticket.
- A Mysterious Political Club Leaves Voters Guessing
A newly formed Young Men's Club keeps its platform hidden, sparking fears of a political power grab.
- A School Board Battle in Everett
A state representative refuses to resign his seat on the local school board, sparking an outcry over transparency and political maneuvering.
- Aberdeen Council Bickers Over Bridge Purchase
A procedural stalemate arises as council members argue over the best way to secure bonds for the city’s acquisition of the Heron Street bridge.
- The Battle for the Finley Road
A simmering local dispute over road quality, county spending, and bureaucratic transparency boils over in the press.
- Irrigation Bond Election Halted by Corporate Standoff
Horse Heaven growers demand transparency as power company refuses to disclose critical water rights data for the $15 million project.
- Tacoma's Congressman Betrays the People in D.C.
Francis W. Cushman aligns with political bosses, voting against rules that would have allowed for greater congressional transparency and legislative accountability.
- Who Controls the Schoolhouse Purse?
Walla Walla taxpayers demand fiscal transparency as the school board ignores mandatory financial reporting.
- Voters Reject Park Board’s $750,000 Tax Hike
Tacoma citizens shut down a massive bond proposal, citing a lack of transparency and fears of bureaucratic extravagance.
- The City Hall Printing Squabble
Seattle's Board of Aldermen stalls on a contract, sparking a debate over government transparency, political favoritism, and the true meaning of 'general circulation.'
- The Battle for Budget Transparency
Voters are urged to support Referendum No. 9 to force public officials to publish expenditure estimates and hold open hearings.
- The Mudflat Standoff: A Political Tug-of-War for Seattle’s Waterfront
In 1872, Seattle’s local press accused the Territorial Delegate of suppressing a crucial memorial to cede Duwamish mudflats to the city for his own electoral gain.
- The Fight to Trim King County's Fat
A committee of concerned Seattle citizens demands transparency and cuts in county government spending during a severe economic downturn.