The Seattle Sewer Brick Scandal
A political investigation into allegations that the City of Seattle paid inflated prices for materials used in municipal sewer construction.
Mr. James F. McElroy, a prominent Democrat, stated that the identical brick sold to the city for eight dollars per thousand had previously been offered to one of his clients for five dollars and a quarter per thousand. This is the case as it stands, and it is certainly one which justifies a thorough investigation. If the city is paying more for material than others would be called upon to pay, the people are entitled to know the reason for the difference and to know where the difference goes. The Post-Intelligencer is anxious to have every instance of corruption, from the establishment of the city government to the present hour, brought to light and to have the criminals punished. It believes that the interests of the city have been shamelessly betrayed, not in the sewer contracts alone, but in printing contracts and other contracts as well.
“If the city is paying more for material than others would be called upon to pay, the people are entitled to know the reason for the difference and to know where the difference goes.”
Municipal contracting scandals—specifically involving the padding of invoices for basic materials—have been a recurring theme in Seattle politics from the city's infancy to the modern era of oversight boards and public transparency requirements.
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