"Me?" Ferrari was still focused on driving. He glanced at the car following them, inside which was someone who had left with Lynch, guessing it was likely Lynch’s bodyguard.
At that moment, he felt a bit dazed. It seemed like his first meeting with Lynch happened not long ago when Lynch placed a five-thousand-dollar check on the table seeking some solutions.
In the blink of an eye, had Lynch developed to the point of needing a bodyguard by his side?
He snapped back, "Not bad, actually everyone knows, I am just a..." He pursed his lips, showing a helpless smile, and shook his head, "...just a transition. I have no right to complain about anything, rather I should thank you, the Governor, and the Mayor for your recommendation."
If nothing unexpected happens, the next Mayor of Sabin City, which is the current Mayor Landon, will announce his resignation after the State election, recommending Ferrari to replace him as the new Mayor of Sabin City.
With Landon’s recommendation, the Governor’s support, and Lynch’s approval, Ferrari’s election as Mayor faced almost no resistance. However, he wouldn’t hold onto this Mayor position for long.
Previously, Landon had some disagreements with the Governor. The Governor hoped to hand the job of Sabin City’s Mayor to his brother, but Mayor Landon did not agree, using his connections to gain party support.
This led to some conflicts between the two, which they began to resolve due to Lynch’s involvement. Mayor Landon was willing to give up the Mayor position to exchange for a new job as a Representative in the House.
As an exchange, his Staff Officer and Secretary Ferrari would temporarily become the Acting Mayor of Sabin City, but only for two years.
After two years, Ferrari would resign from his current job, citing his inability to handle the responsibilities of being a Mayor, and recommend a State Senator to take over his duties. Then the State Legislature would hold two hearings to finally evaluate whether this State Senator could take over Ferrari’s role, become the new Mayor of Sabin City, and prepare for the new mayoral election.
This arrangement had nothing to do with his identity; his relationship with the Governor was ordinary, and it wasn’t because he was Adelaide’s other nephew. Though he was related to the Governor, it didn’t lead to an unjust decision. That would be impossible!
Is it absurd to say that being relatives with the Governor means one can’t contribute to the Federation?
In any case, this arrangement satisfied everyone’s needs and completed the process of welcoming a new Mayor. Thanks to the two-year experience of governing, Ferrari would be promoted within the party to become a cadre. If he could find some people to support him in the next big election, like capitalists such as Lynch, then he would have a chance to truly govern and become a real Mayor, stepping onto the political stage.
In any case, the whole process didn’t seem too complicated, but it involved too many interests. For instance, the State Senator who should be the Governor’s brother, after becoming Mayor would leave a vacancy for a State Senator.
Everyone knew the Governor was seeking more re-elections, and a State Senator position could absolutely sway a faction to stand on his side.
Don’t underestimate the State Senators; under the Federation’s semi-autonomous state system, the State Legislature was not much different from Congress. They could also initiate, submit, review, and vote on various local bills, only their influence was not as big as Congress’s, impacting only the local and surrounding areas.
Purely from a practical standpoint, it wasn’t too bad.
Behind this, there were more invisible interest exchanges. People could only see a new Mayor suddenly resign, followed by another.
"Actually, this isn’t bad, at least I don’t have to join the election campaign!" Ferrari said with some relief on his face. He wasn’t really afraid of running for election; the confidence came from the clean surrounding streets.
The unprecedented economic recession made being a "Mayor," a frontline politician, a high-risk profession, not a time to consider a politician’s qualifications. The problem now was that nobody could solve these issues!
One dies, another comes. This is why the Conservative Party has completely withdrawn. The previous President left a mess, and they can’t clean it up themselves, so they withdraw strategically.
Wait until people realize the Progressive Party is no more effective than expected, then they will stand out and compete. By then, the economy would have started to recover, and people might consider trying another ruling party.
At that time, they could stand in the sunlight and accept people’s cheers, but now, it’s not the right moment.
No one is foolish enough to take over a mess and prove to people they are as incompetent as the previous one. That would only make them a laughingstock with no meaning. Especially with Mayor Landon’s nomination and the Governor’s briefing, along with support from merchants like Lynch, challenging Ferrari would be utterly stupid!
Of course, not counting the companion runners. The Federation is a highly free country; fairness and justice are what people pursue.
"About to take that position makes me somewhat anxious and uneasy. You know, previously the one making decisions was someone else, not me. Now that person is me, responsible for facing the good and bad outcomes, which has recently given me immense pressure."
He slowly turned the steering wheel, ensuring road safety during the conversation with Lynch, rather than paying attention to the vehicles behind. "Sometimes, I have that brief moment of wanting to back down, but I cannot afford to."
Ferrari was indeed under immense pressure. Though the city situation improved slightly, the unemployment rate remained high. Every day, the relief stations distributing food aid were crowded with ordinary citizens holding food vouchers, waiting to receive sustenance.
Previously Mayor Landon dared to oppose the Governor’s "suggestions" in private, insisting on running for Mayor and successfully winning. His departure now cannot be seen as compromise, more likely "knowing when to retreat."
The situation was so delicate, achieving success was a grand celebration, but more likely he wouldn’t do well, risking being kicked out, hence he wisely retreated, preserving his victory.
From the perspective of actual power, a Mayor was clearly superior to a Representative, but from the perspective of influence on society, the latter’s influence was greater, with more economic and political value transformation opportunities.
The Mayor had room to step back, but Ferrari had no retreat possibility or space, hence he had to brace himself to move forward.
The two chatted while the car slowly stopped outside City Hall. Mayor Landon indeed had to leave here, but before his actual departure, he was still the city’s Mayor, and Lynch should visit him first.
As soon as entering, the Mayor came out affordably and kindly shook Lynch’s hand, "I knew choosing you was the best decision. In just over a year, the club has won a championship. Yesterday they held a small-scale celebration, very lively. You might want to watch the re-broadcast news, it includes introductions."
Speaking alongside walking with Lynch towards the sofa, "Sports are highly effective in revitalizing citizens’ morale, at least people’s appearance doesn’t look as terrible as before. You did great. Yesterday I was even discussing these matters with Ferrari, considering encouraging more people to invest in sports."
Ferrari, serving the two, nodded while placing two glasses of wine in front of them. Mayor Landon pointed to the sofa beside, "You sit too."
Originally, this occasion didn’t include Ferrari’s presence, but considering he was soon to replace Mayor Landon’s position, respect had to be given.
Nobody knew how things would develop for everyone, regardless of past cooperation, respect was necessary for hiring Ferrari when he was still young.
After some pleasantries, Lynch steered the topic towards Mayor Landon’s destination, "I heard your place is decided?"
Originally this was a very awkward topic. Before this, the Governor couldn’t guarantee securing him activity for the Representative. More likely it involved doing something in the State Senate. Yet unexpectedly, a party House Representative suddenly became ill and hospitalized.
He was an old gentleman who served the Federation all his life, seventy-five years old, still diligently working.
Doctors examined his body, deemed he couldn’t continue contributing to the Federation, which saddened him but created a new opportunity for the Governor to mobilize energy for the old Representative’s lifetime contributions by nominating Mayor Landon to succeed him in Congress.
Of course, this is the simple version. It’s actually complex. After Mayor Landon resigns, he would first work under the guise of an assistant, helping the quietly dedicated old gentleman for about a month or two to familiarize himself with the House’s workflow.
Then this gentleman motivated to contribute to the Federation would realize he genuinely can’t continue, prompting his belonging State Legislature to conduct at least two rounds of voting to select his successor, likely the person who silently helped during his illness, Landon.
After participating in two public debates held by the Member of Parliament Election Committee, should opposition not exceed half, Landon would represent another state entering the House as a glorious Representative service to the people.
This involves political exchanges between the Governor and another state, hence it’s far from merely uttering it.
Now Mayor Landon seemed to realize his age wasn’t young; the Governor was unlikely. Rather than stubbornly clutching here wasting time for trivial power, better serve the Federation in Congress!
At least, this promised a pleasant old age without worrying about money!