Seattle's Fire Engine Scandal
City officials spar over a controversial, expensive fire engine purchase, raising questions of incompetence and potential overpayment.
The fire commissioners met last night, but not a word was said about the purchase of about $18,000 worth of engines and other appliances by the board of public works. After the meeting, there was an informal talk about the matter. Commissioner Mase said his understanding was that the board of public works intended consulting the fire commissioners before awarding any contract. He was astonished to learn that the contracts had been awarded. He said whatever responsibility there was should fall upon the board which did the buying. Commissioner Foster added, 'Chief Hunt and I were present at the board of works meeting as spectators, but we were not invited to express any opinion. Within about half an hour two men who know more about a threshing machine than about a fire engine, voted away about $18,000.' Commissioner Van Brocklin of the board of public works defended the decision, stating they were directed by ordinance to make the purchase on their own responsibility, and that they sought a lighter engine suitable for the city's steep hills.
“Within about half an hour two men who know more about a threshing machine than about a fire engine, voted away about $18,000.”
Municipal procurement battles in Seattle have a long history of suspicion; the tension between technical experts, elected officials, and taxpayers remains a hallmark of local civic life.
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