Sal sat in his chair. On the table next to him he had his whiskey and a pack of cigarettes. Sal enjoyed the evenings where he was able to read something. He enjoyed every book he could get between his hands. But this time it was something special. As he cleaned his appartment the last time he found a journal of an ancestor behind the bookshelve.

Sal enjoyed the stories his ancestor wrote down. It was a good mixture between business, fun and killing. Would've been a bestseller. After a while Sal came to an interesting entry.

"Implementing the council" It read.

Sal poured in another whiskey and lit a cigarette before he got into the jourlnal again.

"The family is doing great so far. We have many talented criminals associated to our family. Few of them are ready to become a part of the family. But what is the big change for those future mafiosi when it comes to family business. Of course as a made member you're untouchable and allowed to do your own business but should there be anything else?

I have talked to my right hand and discussed the issue. And we have had an idea. We are implementing a council. A place where all family members meet to discuss family business together. I think that's a good idea as it is bonding the made members more to a family. It it good for the upper structure to make the right decisions if you have more opinions. Of course this is not meant as a democracy. The final decision is in my hand. Also we can observe our associates and discuss about their performance. As soon as the councils grows in numbers at least three made members have to recommend an associate before he can earn his button."

Sal closed the journal and leaned back in his chair. Thinking about what he just read he wondered how other people would think about something like that. Involving family members actively into the family business and future decisions.

Many Leaders over time have utilised the same, or similar, systems. The most recent of which that I recall was EvilClown in Detroit, whenever a member of his family was due to be awarded their button, he would contact all of those already Made and above and discuss whether they feel the member had done enough to merit this new rank.

I can see the plus sides with this kind of system, but there are also the downsides to consider. Why should your member be scrutinised by his fellow mafioso that are not of any authority to him? Surely the only people that should have any major role in the promotion of a member should be those that are responsible for the members actions; The leader and his/her hands.

As I said though, there are many pro's to this system and a few cons, it all comes down to how the individual wishes to run their respective family. There is no one "right" way to do it, everyone has their own view on how this thing of ours should be run.

while leaning on his favourite lamp post Dante over hears a small speech. Seeing Fozzie approach Dante hold back to hear his words also before speaking

Fozzie, if a member is a mademan that makes them family. Which in turn gives them a little authority over the associates? Having all those who are true family involved in the decision is great if you ask me. It's a sure fire way to promote interaction between crew members and family members. It's also good to know that the position of made man isn't just going to be just handed over when available.

Turns to Salvatore and smiles

My commendations sir, I see this as a positive step forward for you, your family and possibly even the community.

Mike walks out of the corner after listening in on what Salvatore has said

"I agree people should have to earn there rank not just get handed it when it comes up, with loyalty comes respect"

Why should your member be scrutinised by his fellow mafioso that are not of any authority to him?

Now while I agree that people should earn their ranks rather then having them handed to them without so much as a thought I have to agree with Fozzie here. There should be no scrutinising by those that are not of any authority. What happens if you have someone whose bloodline is not so popular by their peers for past actions and they decide this mafioso's fate on it based upon that? I just feel that if you're giving others a choice in someone's fate it just becomes a popularity contest by sorts rather then based on the person's current actions.

In reply to your statement Mr Fozzie, it isn't just the Crew Leader and his hands who have a responsibility over the new member. In my time here and in my ancestors time here i have seen crews taken out because a regular, everyday button man had made a mistake. Sure, it doesn't happen every time a button man messes up, but it is a strong possibility.

In a family, it is never just the leaders who suffer the consequences. All members of the family, and sometimes even a city, can and sometimes will suffer because of one mans actions.

So, maybe it is better if the button men are put to a vote about the matter? Also, in my opinion, button men should be given the chance to voice their opinions. If say there are twenty members, ranked over made man, and seventeen of them agree with an idea put forward by their Crew leader or hands, who then in the family can say that they are wrong for putting an idea into action?

Sure, meetings between made men are not a requirement, and the Crew leader could still go ahead and do as he or she pleased, even without the majority of made members agreeing with them, but if and when the consequences came, that person would have to shoulder the responsibility alone. If the crew gets wiped out, because a CL does not listen to their members opinions, then it is the CL who has caused it, whereas if the made men had agreed, the decision was taken by the majority, and it was the crew wanted at the time.

That's just my two cents though.