The Price of a Telephone Franchise
A City Councilman publicly alleges he was offered shares in exchange for his vote, then refuses to follow through on the accusation.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Sensational allegations of bribery have roiled the Tacoma City Council regarding a competitive fight for a telephone franchise. Councilman Conrad, who previously stated he opposed the Independent Telephone company in good faith, claimed in front of witnesses that he had been offered 3,000 shares of stock to sway his vote. He further alleged that similar offers were made to Councilmen Hoenig and Wright. However, when asked by The Times to sign an affidavit confirming these claims, Conrad declined, expressing regret for mentioning the matter. Other councilmen denied being approached, with some suggesting the rumors were fabricated by the rival Sunset Telephone company to defeat the Independent company’s bid.
“I wish they would mention my name, so that I could know who they are and have a chance to fight them.”
The influence of corporate lobbying on municipal infrastructure franchises is a historic trend in Tacoma. This story captures the precarious moment when a politician realizes the personal cost of exposing a bribery scheme.
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