Corruption Charges in Snohomish County
The Snohomish County Attorney charges commissioners with 'malfeasance, misfeasance, corruption, and misdemeanor' in a sweeping legal bid to remove them from office.
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The fight between the Snohomish County Attorney and the board of commissioners is waxing hot. In his complaint, the county attorney charges the commissioners with 'malfeasance, misfeasance, corruption and misdemeanor in office.' He bases his complaint on several grounds, including attempting to monopolize the retail liquor trade in Silverton and Monte Cristo, illegally auditing and allowing themselves excessive mileage and per diem, and willfully and corruptly allowing D.S. Swerdfiger to be paid $2,500. He also alleges they ordered a $10,000 warrant in favor of H.B. Palmer in direct violation of their contract. The attorney prays that they be ousted from office and that their seats be declared vacant. Much interest is felt by the citizens of Snohomish County regarding these claims.
“malfeasance, misfeasance, corruption and misdemeanor in office”
County-level corruption charges in the 1890s centered on the same levers of power still watched today: self-dealing, sweetheart contracts, and using public office to control the local liquor and vice markets.
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