"What's more dangerous is that if you try to purge the entire council, you'll trigger a survival crisis for every member. They will immediately form an unbreakable anti-Mayor alliance, and you'll find yourself in a full-scale war that could have been avoided."
Leo nodded.
He understood that all-out war was the worst-case scenario. He needed people to get work done, not nine sworn enemies.
"The second path," Roosevelt continued, "is buy-offs and deterrence."
"Since you can't replace them, you must remold them."
"You need to learn the art of political patronage."
"Those nine people—each has their own needs, their own weak spots."
"Take Gavin Stone, for example. She's not just Morganfield's person; she's also someone who craves more recognition in the business world. You can give her power."
"You could establish a 'Business District Beautification Committee' and make her the chair. Let her decide which streets get which trees, let her decide which contractor gets the job."
