Alphonse D'Amato is one of New York's two senators and a member of the Elephant Party. Another more senior senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, belonged 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 party-oriented. The term of a senator is six years, and this year it happens to be the turn of Alphonse D'Amato. This Italian-born politician started out as mayor of Long Island and has been very popular in Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. support rate.
He has always supported George Sr.'s election and is one of the few politicians in New York State who actively advocates for him. Because George Sr. has little appeal among voters, many Elephant Party politicians in New York only support him from behind and do not express much support to the outside world.
"Little George, you did a good job..." Alphonse came over and patted Little George on the shoulder to praise him. This event, aimed at raising money for himself and George Sr., raised a lot of money for his Senate re-election.
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, and Cher is very sexy in it? Not even?" 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 supporting me." Alphonse 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 sponsors of the Continue Action for Jobs and Prosperity action committee,” 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", and 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 had made profits beyond 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 "Continue 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 things difficult by the New York City Hall Park Department, hoping to get some advice. Help from Alphonse D'Amato.
When Alfonse D'Amato heard that it was the Park Department, he frowned. Director Stern, who has eccentricities and likes to be called "Interstellar" by others, is known in New York politics as eccentric, lustful, and difficult to deal with.
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 for being more arrogant in New York City.
The first is that he has a very good relationship with Robert Wagner Jr., the son of former New York Mayor 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 without showing special respect. It must be very uncomfortable to be targeted by someone like him.
Mr. Senator did not want to deal with him. Through his small commodity business, he had a large number of workers, dealers, and civil servants who received public donations, who all rallied around him and voted uniformly in various elections. As the lifeline of politicians, people with the ability to mobilize are much more important than people like Ronald who can only write checks.
Although Stern from the park is a donkey and will not vote for Mr. Senator, who is from the elephant 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 how our country works. I'm a federal senator and I can't dictate legislation at the state and city halls," Mr. Senator found an excuse to run away.
Ronald frowned, what's going on? I donated so much money to him and George Sr.'s joint fundraiser, and just saying something blithely doesn't count?
"Hey, Mr. Senator, they are my good friends. My father was able to come from behind in the primary election. His campaign advertisements were very influential..." Little George, who had been paying attention to this side, hurriedly came to the rescue. It doesn't matter if the senator offends Ronald, he still has to rely on Ronald to highlight himself 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 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. What do you think of you as a New York Parks Department bureaucrat? Besides, this man is harassing all the women in the department like this. He is a mess. He will probably be liquidated after he loses his power. What will happen if you confess yourself then?
"If that doesn't work, then you try to start from the grassroots level. What I just said makes sense. Your problem on Staten Island, why don't you go to the mayor of Staten Island and Stan on the New York City Council?" How about the solution from Don Island’s representatives?”
After speaking, Mr. Senator patted Ronald on the shoulder. Ronald was left 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 general election.
"But he reminded me... Old George's status is too high. For some matters we have at home, it is best to go to the lower-level congressmen and bureaucrats." Ronald felt that he would have to find a few 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 legislative power. Many times, the feds can't force states to do things they don't want to do. Even when it comes to the law prohibiting drinking and driving under the age of 21, 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 representative 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 her hand.
"I watched Dirty Dancing directed by you. It was very good. I even bought a video tape. Haha..." Susan has short hair and is capable. She 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 a total of fifty-one wards in New York City, each with one representative, and a total of fifty-one city councilors. It is the best position for the most capable children of this kind of political family to enter politics for the first time.
Susan Molinari represents a small number of voters who can hear the direct voice of voters like Ronald. After hearing the ins and outs of the matter, and looking at some on-the-ground plans and photos of the wetland, she confirmed that Ronald's garden was indeed not closely related to the so-called wetland. It was entirely administrative manipulation. So he said that there is absolutely a way to do this.
"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 boroughs in New York have their own park commissions. The Commissioner of the Parks Department can only directly manage Central Park and the ice rink in Manhattan. In principle, Staten Island is only managed by the City Council entrusted to the Commissioner of the Parks Department. "
"So, how can I get the New York City Council to approve my garden construction?" Ronald looked at the city councilman. What she meant was very clear. Park Commissioner Stern was just a part-time worker, and the real bosses were the various park committees under the city council.
“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 scope of public green space.
Under existing federal and state laws, as long as the land is more than fifty feet away from what is now the Greenbelt Conservation Area, New York City Council has no authority to regulate your property. "
It turns out it's that simple. Ronald felt that wrangling with government departments would be easy if he found the right person. The Parks Department has law enforcement capabilities and has its own patrol team, but the legislation clearly clarifies that the other party has no law enforcement rights in its own territory, which is to take away the power from the bottom and make it impossible for him to use it on himself.
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..." laughed Susan Molinari. New York City Council members serve nine-year terms and I was just elected.
"Um..." Ronald touched his forehead. It turns out that city councilors can serve a long term once elected. It is impossible for grassroots parliaments to be elected every two years like federal representatives, otherwise limited wealth will be wasted on elections. Only at the federal level can there be various donation channels to support this money-consuming game.
"However, I will one day enter the federal political arena. I hope that I can get your help then." Representative 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. Being a member of the House of Representatives in this district is also the lowest level position in the federal government for him. Most of the federal 14th District is in a poor place like Staten Island. Having a Staten Island native like Ronald to help is a huge advantage over his 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 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 breadwinners of the residents 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 his 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?" Auntie made a meal for Ronald and asked Ronald after eating.
"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," her aunt 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. 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 to a church. Churches are not cheap. Many communities in Europe have been continuously donating money to repair churches for hundreds of years, but they have not yet been repaired.
"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 inside that showed the final effect, a rectangular building like a small factory, with rows of tables, chairs and benches, and no podium in front. Quakers focus on communicating with God through their own spirituality. Everyone prays silently in church without even using 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 Quaker eight anise on the wall in front. This chapel, which looks like a factory on the outside and a classroom on the inside, has a touch of Quaker temperament.
"Oh, this church is very interesting." Ronald had never been to a church like this before, so he immediately wrote a check and handed it to his aunt. "Since the relics of my father's ancestors have been placed in the church, I should also pay for it. I hope that the circumstances of his death in the war for the country and the origin of the piece of glass can be clearly written 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 it.
