"That was not our understanding," Murray says. "We need to get a lot more clarity of what the expectations of the city are for the money." Murray says the money was supposed to be used for construction after the city "gets on board [with the project] as a city, and not just the mayor's office." Furthermore, the wad of cash was supposed to be matched by the city. Murray has asked the state Transportation Commission--which is in charge of distributing the money--to check in with Seattle to see what the city's true intent is for the funds.
Mayor Nickels spokesperson Casey Corr says the city is working with Murray to address his concerns. "We're using the money for a capital purpose, and we'll work out the details with Ed so he's satisfied that we're pursuing his intentions," Corr says.
Murray hopes that's the case--he thought his intentions were clear in the first place. "I wish I'd gotten this in writing [with Seattle]," Murray says. "I am concerned."
