The Sewer Scandal: A Whistleblower’s Warning
City Engineer Thomson testified that he repeatedly warned officials against using sub-standard, 'rotten' brick in Seattle’s sewer construction, only to be ignored as the project fell into corruption and mismanagement.
The story, cleaned up
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During the trial of Commissioner Cochran, Assistant City Engineer Scott and former City Engineer Thomson testified regarding the city's sewer construction scandal. Thomson stated he had warned Cochran that purchasing soft, absorbent brick—which he described as a 'crime' to use—would result in impeachment for those who signed the contracts. Thomson’s testimony refuted the defense’s claim that sub-standard materials were necessary to provide work for the unemployed. He further highlighted that poor management and the decision to rip open miles of trench at once, rather than one block at a time, led to massive, unnecessary expenses for lumber. Despite his formal protests to the Board of Public Works and personal warnings to officials, his advice was disregarded, leading him to fear the public disgrace of being associated with such incompetent and corrupt work.
“I tell you as a friend that you must protest against the use and purchase of such brick... and if you don't object and protest... you will be responsible and will be liable to be impeached.”
This 1894 scandal over sewer infrastructure and municipal corruption mirrors modern Seattle’s ongoing struggles with public project oversight, budget blowouts, and the tension between political appointments and technical expertise.
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