The famously corrupt Seattle School District has had trouble passing school levies in recent years. This year looked like an especially tough sell. Seattle's economy is a train wreck, and the school district's corruption only gets worse. The district recently "lost" more than $30 million, leading to teacher layoffs, but not a taste of accountability for the superintendent - banker Joseph Olchefske.
Yet the school levy is said to be passing with remarkable ease. As a long-time observer of Seattle's education and political scene, I'm extremely skeptical.
Of course, Seattle elections are shamelessly manipulated by the media. They're every bit as corrupt as the last presidential campaign. But last November's election was the most manipulated election I've ever seen, while the results from last night's vote was the most surprising.
It's a safe bet that the Seattle Chamber of Commerce will either manipulate Seattleites into voting for George W. Bush or (more likely) the most corrupt of the Democratic candidates. It looks like they're already accomplishing that.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001850321_citylevy04m0.html