The High Stakes of City Power Contracts
As the city seeks additional power to meet winter demand, critics warn of corporate influence on municipal leadership.
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Another tussle will be given the power companies by the city council in an attempt to get more power at a reasonable rate. A resolution was introduced in the council last night to call for bids for 1,500 horsepower. Electrician Lauson estimates that much additional current will be needed by next winter above the present 6,000 horsepower contract. The power trust is getting ready to look after the business and will try to get a very high rate or a long-time contract. Mayor Fawcett was taken up to the Snoqualmie plant the other day on a junketing trip by the company and duly impressed by the smooth attorney for the trust. The mayor came back declaring he felt the city was already getting a very low rate from the company. About the next thing that may be expected now is a junket for more councilmen when an effort will be made also to make them believe that the rate is very low for Tacoma. Before a new contract is to be made by the city, while law attorneys for the trust begin to curry favor with the city officials, it is time for the people to keep their eyes open.
“Before a new contract is to be made by the city... it is time for the people to keep their eyes open.”
The influence of private utilities on municipal policy and the 'junket' as a tool for lobbying local officials are evergreen subjects in Tacoma’s political history, mirroring current concerns over public-private partnerships.
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