"Close, but not quite the bullseye."
Roosevelt's voice carried a hint of exasperation, like a mentor disappointed in a promising student.
"Leo, you're the Mayor now, but it seems you've forgotten how you won. Have you forgotten the core concept that put you in this office?"
"Struggle," Roosevelt said coldly, spitting out the word.
"Struggle?" Leo was taken aback.
"Look around you. Look at this building, and then think about the City Council across the street," Roosevelt guided him. "If you act like Santa Claus, hauling a giant sack of free US Dollars back from Washington to fill the financial holes and fund new projects, what do you think those old geezers will think?"
A bolt of lightning seemed to flash through Leo's mind.
He suddenly understood.
'They'll think I'm a capable sucker,' Leo answered inwardly.
"Not just a sucker, Leo. You'd be extending their lifeline."
Roosevelt let out a cold laugh, then began to dissect the political logic behind it.
