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Chapter 78: Staten Island Snake

Alphonse D'Amato is one of New York's two senators and belongs to the Elephant Party. The other, more senior senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, belongs to the Donkey Party.

Speaking of America, the political spectrum in America is very interesting. Large cities tend to favor the more progressive Donkey Party, while small towns with vast areas and sparsely populated areas tend to favor the Elephant Party.

In the process of rapid urbanization, New York State has gradually become more partisan. The term of a senator is six years, and this year it is the turn of Alphonse D'Amato, an Italian-born politician from Long Island, to be the mayor.

It started out and has always had a high support rate in Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

He has always supported Old George's election and is one of the few politicians in New York State who actively campaign for him. Because Old George has little appeal among voters, many New York Elephant Party politicians only support behind the scenes and express their opinions to the outside world.

There isn't much support sometimes.

"Little George, you did a good job..." Alphonse came over and patted George George on the shoulder and praised him. This event was aimed at raising money for himself and George Sr., and raised a lot for his senatorial re-election.

funds.

However, compared to the current commander-in-chief who is the best at telling jokes, Old George's speeches are always dry and boring, making people almost fall asleep.

"Let me introduce to you, this is Ronald, a Hollywood director. He is also our supporter..." Little George quickly introduced Ronald and Little Doug to Mr. Senator.

"Hollywood directors, huh? Nowadays there are very few who are as staunch supporters of the Elephant Party as John Wayne was... Your name is Ronald? Your name seems a bit familiar."

Mr. Senator was not familiar with Hollywood, and little George introduced him to him, "He has made many blockbuster movies, Dirty Dancing? Have you never seen it? Moonlight is sultry, Cher is very sexy in it? No?"

Top Gun? Our navy's fighter jets...ah, you finally saw it, he also filmed a campaign ad for my father..."

Little George connected Ronald and Mr. Senator. After completing his task, he left to greet other guests.

"Nice to meet you. Let me shake your hand and thank you for your support." Alfonse D'Amato reached out and shook Ronald's hand. Those who came here to participate in the donation rally would at least donate.

He had to pay a thousand dollars before the deputy commander's son could introduce him personally.

"Doug and I are the founders of the Action Committee for Continued Action for Jobs and Prosperity." Ronald re-introduced himself.

"So you are...let me shake your hand again..." Mr. Senator immediately became interested. This super action committee is very generous to New York candidates, whether they are from the Donkey Party or the Elephant Party, as long as they are

Those who support the current leader's economic tax reduction policy will receive very generous investments.

Douglas Jr. also invested in "Dirty Dancing". Like Ronald, he also received very generous rewards for his vision, adventurous spirit, and trust in Ronald. This was the first time in his life that he received

beyond the profits of the family trust.

Unlike the family, which focuses on land investment, Douglas Jr. invested more in securities investment and the film and television industry. Therefore, the "Continuing to Promote Employment and Prosperity Action" action committee established by him and Ronald also closely related to the family's political investment.

Separate and choose candidates who are more suitable for you politically.

He also advised Ronald to invest part of his money in these super action committees that donate to promising candidates, and first take root deeply in his hometown.

With a donation of more than 100,000 US dollars, Ronald and Douglas Jr. are eligible to take photos with Mr. Senator and chat a few things.

"Mr. Senator, I am a little confused about some policies of New York State. Could you please give me some advice?" Ronald seized the opportunity and briefly talked about the fact that he was being made difficult by the New York City Hall Park Department, hoping to get some advice.

Help from Alphonse D'Amato.

Alphonse D'Amato frowned when he heard it was the Parks Department. Director Stern, who has eccentricities and likes to be called "Interstellar" by others, is known in New York political circles for his eccentricities, lust, and difficulty.

.

He was born into a civilian family. His father was an accountant and later started a small business selling outdoor tents. There are two reasons why he is relatively arrogant in New York City.

The first is that he has a very good relationship with Robert Wagner Jr., the son of the former New York mayor and Robert Wagner. Generally, officials in the city hall are reluctant to offend him because of the civil servant faction that Wagner left behind.

The second reason is that he carried forward his father's tradition of small business and personally designed and manufactured many products with New York City emblems, such as ties, cuffs, etc., which were sold to tourists in government properties to raise funds for public undertakings.

This Stern has some quirks. People who are not familiar with him will often offend him inadvertently when they see him and don't show any special respect for him. It must be very uncomfortable to be targeted by someone like him.

Mr. Senator does not want to deal with him. Through his small commodity business, he has a large number of workers, dealers, and civil servants who receive public donations, who all rally around him and vote uniformly in various elections. As the lifeline of politicians, this has

People with mobilization skills are much more important than people like Ronald who can only write checks.

Although Stern from the Park Department is a Donkey Party member and will not vote for Mr. Senator who is a member of the Elephant Party Party, there is no need to offend such a difficult opponent. If he bites him, he will be in trouble.

"Hollywood often doesn't understand the operation of our country. I am a federal senator and cannot dictate the legislation of the state and city hall." Mr. Senator found an excuse to run away.

Ronald frowned, what's going on? He donated so much money to the joint fundraiser between him and George Sr., and he just said it lightly and said nothing?

"Hey, Mr. Senator, they are my good friends. My father came from behind in the primary election and his campaign advertisements were very powerful..." George, who had been paying attention here, hurriedly came to the rescue. Senator

It doesn't matter if you offend Ronald, you still have to rely on Ronald to highlight yourself in the next version of the campaign advertisement.

"I understand, can you give us some privacy?" What the senator is going to say next is best not to be heard by anyone.

"You are a Hollywood director? Do you know many female stars? The easiest way to solve your problem is to introduce a few female stars to "Interstellar". This guy harassed almost every young woman in the park department.

As long as you are willing to give him some bragging rights, he will make your garden pass."

"I'm afraid I can't do this, Mr. Senator. Female stars in Hollywood need equal exchange, and I can't afford such a price." When Ronald heard this, he felt that this idea was not good.

Not to mention that Hollywood female stars cannot afford to pay. If they can afford it, they only pay it to the producer or director. How can you be a bureaucrat in the New York Parks Department? Besides, this man is harassing all the women in the department.

I'm afraid I'll be liquidated after I lose my power. What's the point of confessing myself then?

"If that doesn't work, then you try to start from the grassroots level. What I just said makes sense. Why don't you go to the mayor of Staten Island and Stan on the New York City Council about your problem on Staten Island?

How about the solution for Dondo representatives?”

After saying that, Mr. Senator patted Ronald on the shoulder, leaving Ronald alone to think.

"This is the federal senator..." After hearing what Ronald said, little Doug began to scold this man who was paid to do nothing.

"Anyway, our money is mainly donated to the deputy commander." Ronald was not very angry. At most, he donated the follow-up action committee's donation only to the deputy commander's election.

"But he reminded me... Old George's status is too high. For some matters we have at home, it's best to go to the lower-level congressmen and bureaucrats." Ronald felt that he would have to find several people in New York and Los Angeles in the future.

A local snake, the one who happens to be minding his own business is the one with the most power.

"My grandpa said so," Douglas Jr. nodded. America is a federal country, and state and local governments also have the power to legislate. In many cases, the federal government cannot force states to do things they don't want to do. Even on the 21st

The current president can only persuade every state to pass this law by threatening to cancel federal subsidies.

"Do you know any grassroots politicians?" Ronald looked at Douglas Jr., who happened to have a local gangster in his family.

"I don't know either. I have to ask grandpa."



"This is Susan Molinari, a current member of the New York City Council and the daughter of Mr. Guy Molinari, the federal congressman who represents our Staten Island."

After returning home, little Douglas made up his mind and quickly found the new city council member in charge. It turned out that he was an old acquaintance, Susan, the eldest daughter of Congressman Guy Molinari, whom his grandfather supported."

"Hello, Congressman Molinari..." Ronald stepped forward to shake hands with her.

"I watched Dirty Dancing directed by you. It was very good. I even bought a video tape, haha..." Susan has short hair, is capable, and is a typical American politician who speaks and acts in a precise manner.

Similar to the federal districts, the New York City Council also divided Lower Manhattan and Staten Island into one district and named it the First District. There are fifty-one districts in New York City, and each district has one representative, for a total of fifty-one districts.

The city councilor is the most capable child in this kind of political family, and he is in the best position to enter politics for the first time.

Susan Molinari does not represent many voters, and she can listen to the direct voice of voters like Ronald. After hearing the ins and outs of the matter, and seeing some on-the-ground planning maps and photos of wetlands, she confirmed

After seeing Ronald's garden, it was indeed not much involved with the so-called wetland. It was entirely administrative manipulation, so he said that there was a solution to the matter.

"This wetland is not a federal or state protected land. It is only included in the New York City protection plan. The Parks Department was first responsible for the agency responsible for Manhattan's Central Park, and was later assigned to manage all parks and public places on Manhattan Island.

Green space qualifications.

But...all administrative regions in New York have their own park committees. Park Commissioners can only directly manage Central Park and the ice rink in Manhattan. In principle, Staten Island is only entrusted by the City Council to Park Commissioners.

"

"So, how can I get the New York City Council to approve my garden construction?" Ronald looked at the city councilor. Her meaning was very clear. Park Commissioner Stern is just a part-time worker, and the real boss is the city council.

Parks Committees under Parliament.

"We need help from our Staten Island Park Borough Commissioner on this matter. In principle, the New York City Parks Department can only directly govern the green belt in the middle of Staten Island, which is the largest natural reserve in New York.

The land where your house is located has very old property rights. As long as you can prove that it was private land before the establishment of the Staten Island Green Belt in 1984, you can ask the Park Borough Commissioner to help you through the Staten Island Greenbelt.

The council re-demarcated the middle green belt and removed this area from the public green space.

Under existing federal and state law, as long as the property is more than fifty feet away from what is now the Greenbelt Conservation Area, New York City Council has no authority to manage your property."

It turned out to be that simple. Ronald felt that it was very simple to find the right person to argue with government departments. The Park Department had law enforcement capabilities and its own patrol team, but the legislation made it clear that the other party did not enforce law on their own territory.

If he doesn't have power, that would be to remove the power from under the cauldron, so that he can't use it on himself even if he has power.

The principle of political operation in America is that simple. From the grassroots level in Staten Island to the highest level of the federal government, similar principles are followed.

"I don't know when the next city council election will be. How can I contribute to Councilor Susan Molinari?" Ronald thought that the federal senator also donated money to give him direction, and he thought that coming to the city council would be similar.

"Hahaha..." Susan Molinari laughed, the New York City Council member's term is nine years, and I was just elected.

"Um..." Ronald touched his forehead. It turns out that once elected, city councilors can serve a long term. It is impossible for grassroots councils to be elected every two years like federal representatives, otherwise limited wealth will be wasted on elections.

Yes. Only at the federal level can there be various donation channels to support this kind of money-consuming game.

"However, I will one day enter the federal political arena. I hope I can get your help then." Congressman Susan's eyes shone. This time she was willing to help because she was interested in Ronald's resources.

My father cannot always be re-elected as a member of the House of Representatives and will seek other positions. The representative of this district is also the lowest-level position in the federal government. Most of the federal 14th district is in a poor place like Staten Island. There are people like Ronald Stanton.

The help of the island's indigenous people is a very big advantage compared to competitors.

"Of course, I will definitely recommend a serious and responsible politician like you to everyone. Your style is refreshing to me. We in America need people like you who are professional and serve the people." Ronald understood that the other party wanted to

A promise for the future.

"I hope you can give me similar support as you give me advertising for the deputy commander." Susan Molinari is not stupid. She had thought about it before she came. Ronald's biggest support for her is Hollywood.

The blessings of those professionals.

"I think this won't be a problem." Ronald smiled. With such a potential stock in the future, he would invest in it in advance and form a solid relationship. In the future, he would have roots here in New York as a wealthy resident.

"In addition, I have some small factories on Staten Island, which mainly make small film and television-related products, camera accessories, lighting accessories, and some tapes. The business is small, the number of employees is not large, and there is no national labor union to harass me.

So I still have some charisma in the factory.

Most of them are the mainstay of the families here, the ones who bring bread to their families..."

Ronald remembered that Commissioner Stern of the Parks Department, didn't he rely on small business to gather a large number of stakeholders and listen to the call to vote collectively, so he could be so arrogant in New York politics?

There are dozens of employees in my three small factories on Staten Island. Together with their families, relatives and friends, they can be a considerable force for the city council election as long as they are united enough.

"That's great. I hope it can give me the opportunity to go deep into the factory and communicate with them face to face." Susan Molinari immediately responded. This kind of hard-core supporter will be an important weapon when electing federal representatives in the future.

, the more the better.



"Are you going on vacation with Diane?" Aunt asked Ronald after she had cooked a meal for him.

"Yes, I plan to rent a boat and go to sea..." Ronald thought about how to spread the news to his aunt.

"Diane told Donna, and Donna told me." Auntie pointed to her nose, "You really need to take a vacation. Filming has been so stressful in the past two years..."

"The next step is to take a break without taking a break. The Writers Guild rejected the Producers Union's 50 million offer, and we have to continue the strike." Ronald shook his head. Now that he wants to prepare a new film, he will also be unable to find it because he can't find it.

The screenwriter failed.

"Where will you and your boyfriend go on vacation?" Ronald asked Aunt Karen with a smile. At that time, she also used the money from selling leg warmers to invest in "Dirty Dancing". Like little Douglas, she also made a lot of money in half her life.

Money that I have never seen before.

"I hope you won't say anything about me. I donated the money to a church." Auntie went to the study and brought a blueprint over and motioned to Ronald to open it.

"I hope you don't donate all the money..." Ronald was shocked when he heard that he was donating a church. Churches are not cheap. Many communities in Europe have been donating money to build churches for hundreds of years.

Not fixed yet.

"Haha, it's not what you think. We Quakers, the church is just a place for public gatherings, there is not that much emphasis. I just asked the designer to re-mount the piece of glass left by your father's family in the church

above."

Ronald opened the design drawing, and there was a page with the final effect, a rectangular building like a small factory, with rows of tables, chairs and benches, and no podium in front. Quakers pay attention to communicating with God through their own spirituality. Everyone

Pray silently in church without even the pastor's sermon.

The only more expensive thing is a window near the ceiling above the wall. It was passed down from Ronald's family and his great-grandfather's mother donated it to the church. The piece of glass with her son's name engraved on it was put back up.

According to the design, when the weather is fine and the sun is abundant, the sunlight will pass through the small window and leave a cross spot with a Quaker octagon on the wall in front. This will make the outside look like a factory and the inside look like

The classroom chapel has a touch of Quaker temperament.

"Oh, this church is very interesting." Ronald had never been to a church like this before. He immediately wrote a check and handed it to his aunt. "Since the relics of my father's ancestors have been put into the church, I should also pay for it.

.I hope that the whole story of his death in the war for the country and the origin of that piece of glass can be written down clearly in the church’s donor documents.”

Of course my aunt agreed, but the Quakers emphasized direct communication with God and other people's biographies could not be placed in the church. She said that they could be placed in the garden outside the church and a monument be erected to commemorate them.


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