Seattle’s Sewer Scandal and the Mayor’s Failed Purge

Mayor J.T. Ronald began the hearing of charges against Board of Public Works members Cochran and Wolfe yesterday, but the proceedings were quickly halted by an injunction. The controversy centers on allegations of mismanagement in the city's massive sewer construction project. Witnesses, including brick and cement tester C.J. Moore, testified that the sewer work was rife with poor supervision and the use of soft, substandard brick. Moore noted that trench excavation was far more extensive than necessary, wasting labor and lumber. Mayor Ronald, who sought to remove Cochran and Wolfe from office, faced accusations of prejudice from the defendants’ counsel, W.H. Thompson. The conflict escalated during a city council meeting, where the Mayor’s attempt to suspend sewer work to prevent further waste was soundly rejected. The struggle continues as the matter moves to the superior court, leaving the city’s sewer construction in a state of political paralysis.