A Candidate's Plea for 'Pitiless Publicity'
Republican commissioner candidate R. E. Pratt argues that county government should be run like a corporation and demands greater transparency in public affairs.
R. E. Pratt of Kennewick, candidate on the republican ticket for county commissioner, spoke regarding his candidacy: 'I am not overly strong on making promises. I want to say to your people that I am greatly in favor of the limelight—not political limelight for the county commissioners—but the limelight of pitiless publicity for all county affairs, the budget, and any other information that will attract the attention of the public. I believe in the elimination of politics and all forms of graft in county affairs, and that its business should be conducted along the same lines as any other large corporation.' Pratt also advocated for the hiring of local taxpayers for road work, provided they deliver full value for their pay.
“I favor the employment of taxpayers for road work where it can be done, but feel that their interests in results should inspire them to be willing to give full value in work for every dollar received.”
Pratt’s call for 'pitiless publicity' echoes modern concerns about municipal transparency, government accountability, and the efficient management of public infrastructure funds in small-town civic life.
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