It was another election year. Joe Tancredi was running against Blake Smith for mayor. Things usually ran smoothly during an election year, the people could use their vote to try get the man they wanted into the pole position to elected. But is that really how it goes down? No it is not. 
 

The unions played a big part in the operations being carried out in the USA. Everyone from newspaper boys to the fellas that manage hotels belonged to one. That’s where James Russo would fit in. He knew a few people that helped run things over at the Union Office. So with this election year coming up, it was time to get them on his side. 
 

JackMezzo had made contact with James a few days prior, informing him that Joe Tancredi would be placed as mayor of Philly once again. He never asked questions and always kept his mouth shut. So why wouldn’t he be the ideal candidate for another term in office? Question is, are those pricks down in Washington watching the outcomes? It was usually the presidential elections that they were interested in. 
 

“You got it, Jackie. Listen... I’ll head down to The Bellissimo, see if I can’t make a strike happen. That outta get peoples attention.” A strike would be a great start. Get all the people working in the kitchen of The Bellissimo to strike and the people running it would be forced to vote Tancredi. 
 

James went down to The Bellissimo, ran by Kyle Corbin, to lean on him a little. He slips the manager some cash and was allowed down to the kitchens.

“Gentlemen, can I have your attention for a moment. A simple question if I may? You’ve all been working here for some time now I might suggest. You think what you’re getting is a fair wage? Do you get fed well on your break.. If you could call that a break? Why from what I can see they wouldn’t even feed this slop to the dogs.”

”You don’t got to put up with this shit. It’s time to stand up and take charge. Take to the streets, march and sing to the sweet tune of rebellion. It’s an election year gentlemen, your plight shall be heard.”

James could see that he had the men’s attention. They knew what he was saying was true. But the most important thing? They were all voters. So those in power knew a strike meant opposition votes. But this was just the beginning. This strike was phase one in the election rigging. 

Jackie silently moved to stand behind James, a slight grin showed his appreciation for the young man's efforts. This was where small ripples turned into giant waves. Where the leadership of a country could be molded, built or broken. It just took small steps that left an intimidating print. His hand fell on the shoulder of Russo and he squeezed it affectionately.

"A good start, James. Once you get the other places around town on side, we'll start seeing things sweep in our favour. Just do something for me, and watch your back. These political types may claim to be on the right side of the law, but that doesn't stop them from getting someone else' hands dirty on their behalf."

He patted the man on the back and turned to pass back through the kitchens.

"In any case, you've got me thinking, planted the seed for something. I'll see you back at the Pier."

Mezzo took his leave. Russo certainly had triggered a though, conceived an idea in the back of his mind. Now it was the wheels and cogs in Jack's head that began to turn.