Political Manoeuvres

Pat Benetar may have said that Love is a Battlefield, but the field marshals of Pittsburgh Politics are out on manoeuvres (none of which are Heimlich).

Let's take Mayor Luke Ravenstahl: On the last episode of "The Office of the Mayor" we found out that Dennis, aide to late mayor Bob, interfered with police disciplinary action against Francis, the brother of Marlene, Executive Secretary and "housemate" of Dennis. While Dennis is being considered for a promotion, Catherine alerts Council about the interference and, therefore, divulges confidential information, a violation of Police policy. Dennis resigns; Catherine is demoted. Catherine sues; Judge issues an injunction in her favor and against the Mayor.

You with us so far?

On this episode, Luke defends his position on the demotion.

Luke is in a bit of a political quandary here and has a couple of problems.

First, if he retreats, tail between his legs, and accepts the Judge's ruling, he's effectively said that he doesn't have the political capital/stones to enforce his policy decisions... and if you believe him, they are his decisions. This is not the best way for a young Mayor up for reelection in four months to be perceived.

Second, if he retreats, tail between his legs, and accepts the Judge's ruling, he's betraying the old school that got Bob elected in the first place. As he has to raise significant funds and bolster his political capital for the upcoming election, he can't afford to piss anyone off. If more people start to jump into the race, it will become harder for Luke to stand out in a crowded field.

Third, if he stands firm, wagging his genitals, and continues to fight for his decision, he's going to start looking just like part of the old school crowd that he apparently claims he's not. More precisely, it comes off as indicating that Regan's actions and the subsequent retribution is acceptable behavior.

Fourth, if he stands firm, wagging his genitals, and continues to fight for his decision, he's probably going to eventually lose, given the whistle-blower laws on the books in the Commonwealth. No one wants to be a loser.

If Luke had just waited awhile, two or three months, he would have been able to compile a paper trail for the demotion of McNeilly and then been able to spring the trap once the whole Regan thing had blown over. So, if anything, I hope that this incident has taught Luke that one valuable Klingon proverb:

bortaS bIr jablu'DI' reH QaQqu' nay'*

And I think that best sums it up.

---
*Revenge is a Dish Best Serve Cold. Stupid hu-Mans.

Tag(s): Pittsburgh Politics