The Endless War for the Fire Chief’s Chair
Seattle’s fire department remains leaderless as a bitter political feud between the mayor and city commissioners paralyzes the city's emergency services.
The contention of Commissioners Kahaley and Meek in persisting in efforts to place Gardner Kellogg at the head of the Seattle fire department is that they are endeavoring to carry out the will of the taxpayers. They charge that Mayor Phelps, in his continued opposition to Mr. Kellogg, is wanting in integrity and motive. The commissioners assert that the department is in a state of chaos and that the responsibility lies with the mayor, who has allowed personal hostility to dictate his actions. The department has been without a permanent chief since the flight of the previous chief, Hunt, who fled to Canada to avoid charges of fraudulent citizenship. Despite petitions from business men and taxpayers representing millions of dollars in property, and a vote of seven to two by the house of delegates in favor of Kellogg, the mayor continues to block the appointment, leaving the city’s fire protection in a state of demoralization.
“The commissioners assert that not one word has been said by them to obstruct the voice of the board; that whenever defeated by the votes of their Democratic associates led by the mayor, they have been contented and manfully have abided by the result.”
This 1895 standoff over the fire chief’s appointment mirrors the recurring friction between Seattle’s executive branch and its various oversight boards. The struggle to balance political patronage with public demand for professional, efficient city management remains a central theme in Seattle’s civic life.
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