The Contractors' Backroom Shuffle
Local contractors are maneuvering to install their preferred candidate as city building inspector.
Since the Contractors' association held its last meeting the report has been circulated that they are considering the matter of backing James Flage as the next building inspector, in place of O. L. Tuell, if Mayor Campbell is reelected. John J. Cowan, chairman of the Contractors' association, was seen this morning by a Times reporter and asked if the contractors had taken any action in regard to this matter. He said: 'The Contractors' association has not taken any official action in regard to the next building inspector. The association takes no part in politics whatever. I will say, however, that I want to see Mayor Campbell re-elected.' Mr. Cowan did not deny, however, that some of the contractors, personally, are booming Mr. Flage for the position, and it is believed that he will make an effort to secure the place. O. L. Tuell, the present incumbent, would accept the position again if reappointed.
“The association takes no part in politics whatever. I will say, however, that I want to see Mayor Campbell re-elected.”
Building codes and inspectors have always been a nexus of industrial interest and city oversight. The interplay between industry associations and municipal appointments remains a hallmark of how local governance functions in Tacoma's urban development history.
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