Suspicion of graft in Tacoma's water plant purchase
Detectives are tailing city council members amid allegations that the municipal purchase of a water and light plant is a massive overpayment benefiting insiders.
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Rumors of corruption have gripped Tacoma as detectives reportedly track members of the city council to investigate a suspected deal involving the purchase of a light and water plant. Heavy taxpayers argue that the price of $1,850,000 proposed by C. B. Wright is double the actual value, fueling fears of 'big money' kickbacks. Critics are particularly incensed that certain figures who once opposed the purchase have suddenly shifted their support, and that a special water committee has traveled to Philadelphia—supposedly to escape scrutiny rather than to conduct legitimate business.
“What angers the opponents of the purchase most... is the fact that several individuals and corporations have changed front.”
Municipal corruption and the question of public versus private ownership of utilities have been central debates in Seattle and Tacoma politics since the city's incorporation, echoing modern frustrations with public-private development deals.
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