The Mayor and the Water Works Scandal

At the city council meeting last week, Frank Donahoe, mayor of Chehalis, and John Dobson, of the Coffman-Dobson banking house, made the city a proposition looking to a settlement of the Chehalis Water Company's suit against the city for water rent. For some time past, the council has refused to pay the old company's bills, alleging that the company was not fulfilling its agreements to supply Chehalis with a wholesome water supply. A few weeks ago, the council agreed they would be willing to allow the water company $5,000 if a compromise could be had, and a new company would take the plant. Acting on this, Mayor Donahue secured an option on the plant from the owners. When the option expired, Donahue and Dobson agreed to take the option themselves. Monday night, they proposed that if the council voted the $5,000, the deal could be closed. The council voted to allow the funds, but when the mayor went to the clerk’s office to secure the warrant, Clerk White refused to issue it. The clerk pointed to a statute making it a misdemeanor for a mayor to have a financial interest in any transaction where the city is a party. A stormy scene ensued, and it appears Mayor Donahue may be forced to resign.