Everett Candidates Face the 'Improvement Club' Grilling
Local improvement groups and the Socialist Party demand answers on everything from public markets and water works to taxing corporate utilities.
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Twelve out of thirty-three candidates for city council and two of five mayoral hopefuls have responded to a questionnaire submitted by the Bureau of Federated Improvement Clubs. The program asks for municipal ownership of the water works, an end to the contract system for street improvements, a public market, expanded parks, and an occupation tax on private utility corporations. R.B. Hassell agreed with all demands, while other candidates offered various caveats regarding feasibility or constitutionality. The Socialist Party candidates responded collectively, standing on a platform of working-class supremacy and requiring all nominees to sign a blank resignation form, which would be activated if they failed to follow party mandates.
“No man or any set of men has any strings on me, and if elected I will follow my best judgment and vote as I see it to the best interest of Everett.”
The 1911 debate over public ownership of water works and utility taxes remains a perennial issue in Everett municipal politics. The 'Improvement Clubs' acted as an early form of organized civic pressure, much like today’s neighborhood associations and advocacy groups pushing for accountability in City Hall.
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