Dead Heat! Mayoral Race has Incumbent Mayor Facing Radical Competition
The people of Cloudbury will soon go to the polls for the most important election in recent memory. This election, in particular, will highlight a clear separation between the government and its people. Until now, the people have been free of government interference to their liberty, their freedom and their business.
That will change if Radical Socialist and Leader of the Left-Wing National Republican Party – Rikard Astler – wins. The long-time Councillgriff has always made his hard-line stance clear: that only with the abolition of private property, the nationalization of businesses, and the displacement of thousands of families will he be satisfied with a “job well done”. Despite his insane platform, thousands have already shown their support with mass-protests and gatherings across the city. These extremists believe that with this new leader, their workplaces will be safer, their lives easier and their employment inevitable.
They are wrong. As councilgriff, Rikard has shown no results with his radical strategy and appears dead-set on destabilizing Mayor Nicholas Egscher’s tenuous balance between sustainable economic growth and robust industrial reforms. Many experts predict that even a partial implementation of some of Rikard’s policies will reap disastrous consequences for the nation, with companies closing and workers losing their livelihoods.
When asked, Mayor Nicholas had this to say: “I do not remember in my 15 years of political service of an election in which the people were so interested in these kinds of reactionary policies. The meetings I’ve had have been eye-opening on where people think the real issues are. Still, I want there to be no talk about my apathy in their concerns. This election will not be won or lost on what citizens think are side-issues or personal attacks and I recognize that. I want a real opinion from the people on Socialism. If I get elected, it will be because the people voted NO.”
With the initial polls still favoring the Incumbent Mayor, there’s still an opportunity to side with level-headed and steady progress. While the rest of the nation is descending further into anarchy, there is hope for this last bastion of stability.
- Headline Article of the Griffonian Republic National Newspaper, Der Republifaner (4th Week of September 1003 Edition)
October 10th, 1003 – City Hall, Cloudbury, Griffonian Republic – Nicholas POV
Over two thousand griffons packed themselves in front of City Hall. The din of the crowd was such that nothing else could be heard; even the impassioned screams of individual griffons shouting this or that was lost in the menagerie.
It was something that Nicholas Egscher – in his years as Cloudbury’s mayor – was accustomed to. He had heard from his grandfather – also a career politician – that politics was something often forgotten; a duty done behind closed doors with a quiet dignity and purpose. Perhaps in the years before the Revolution that was the case, but not anymore. Every event he held – no matter how small – drew a crowd. Everygriff wanted change, and they were willing to hound him every step of the way to get it. He could feel them silently judging. At any moment, the people could choose some populist over his hard work: somegriff that would say a lot of flowery words and false promises to win.
It was the only explanation he could think of for why he was standing before this crowd next to Rikard Astler, the leader of the socialists.
‘Socialism is a rot. Like a moldy cheese, it hides its foulness by pretending to be “normal”. To the ignorant masses, it’s a delectable dish, but by the time you bite into it, it’s too late to prevent the spread of the disease. All their slogans and policies sound reasonable: government work for everygriff, less work hours, more say in workplaces, so on and so forth. It’s all lies. One need only to look at Skynavia to see the results. A stagnant and broken system that can barely muster a barter economy. Thanks to Skyvania’s simple and infantile government, they’ve barely survived, but if our disjointed Republic – a nation where bandits and warlords are barely kept in check – were to face even a tenth of the economic damage, it would signal the end of the nation!’
He could not let that happen.
Unfortunately, the constitution of Cloudbury City put a wrench in his plans. It mandated that 3 weeks before the election on the 31st of October, a debate had to be held between all candidates with at least 10% of the vote from polling done on the 1st. As it stood, he held 48% of the vote… but Astler held 21%. The dozen other candidates could not make the cut. It was the worst case scenario. If even one more griffon had over 10%, he could play down Rikard’s importance, but as it stood, the debate made them look like “equals”.
A red light illuminated above the desk of a mediator who sat below them at the base of the City Hall’s steps. The crowd grew quiet as the mediator spoke. Their voice amplified by speakers to the crowd.
“Nicholas. Citizens have expressed concern over the refugee crisis in the city and rising unemployment. How will your administration work to address this?”
The current mayor nodded and turned his way towards the crowd with a smile and spoke into his microphone.
“My administration has already worked hard to fix this issue, so the question contains a bit of a misconception. There are more jobs in this city then ever before and with a new term I vow to continue that trend. The rise of refugees is a testament to our fair city’s success. Griffons flock to the city in droves for a chance to partake in the progress we’ve made, and with more investment in industry and job creators, progress will continue to happen. Cloudbury’s business is business!”
On hearing the slogan, a number of his supporters in the crowd loudly applauded. It took a few moments, but the applause spread with a majority clapping along. Getting these politically motivated griffons clapping to his platform was a tried and tested way of improving his image. These were griffons who would go home and tell their families to vote for him.
The mediator turned to Rikard. As per the etiquette of the debate, each candidate would be allowed to speak for at most 3 minutes without interruption. It used to be 5 minutes, but as more and more important issues came up, the time per question was cut down. Even with the reduction, debates still went on for over 6 hours.
“And your response?”
Rikard shook his head.
“Idealism and naivete. These refugees need a solution now and the fact that this problem continues after 4 years of Nicholas’ administration is proof that he’s not willing to fix it. Despite the government’s mismanagement, I’ve put money where my mouth is and have personally involved myself in charity work to ease the suffering in the slums. These are griffons who struggle just to survive. I have first-claw accounts of griffons turning away from crime and finding work thanks to our initiatives. As mayor, I plan on expanding this program. I will improve registration to keep the unemployed and refugees on the job market, and giving a helping claw to those who’ve fallen on hard times due to layoffs, sickness or conflict. The workers want to work!”
There was a similar amount of applause for Rikard’s statement, but Nicholas was not worried. This was one of the topics the L-NRP were polling well on. The fact that there was only similar levels of engagement with the electorate was actually encouraging. If that kept up, there was no chance Nicholas would lose.
The mediator turned back to Nicholas.
“Final remarks?”
Now that both candidates responded, the initial candidate would have the last say. Nicholas pointed to Rikard with a look of disbelief. While Rikard’s platform was old news to him now, he made himself look like these radical ideas were utterly foreign.
“It’s unbelievable. It should be clear for everygriff that Rikard’s L-NRP ties are as strong as always. Charity and a helping claw sound nice until you remember who’s paying for it. The last thing the taxpayers of Cloudbury need is another fee. I’ve had to fight beak-and-claw to help businesses keep the heat on in the winter. He talks about struggling refugees, but what about the struggling middle-class? Aren’t you suffering enough? I won’t let this Skyvalian spy turn this city into yet another failed Socialist Commune!”
The end of his speech was met with applause, but less than before. That was also expected. Responding was always harder since he could not prepare something ahead of time end things with a catchy slogan. He was satisfied though. Most griffons were still antagonistic towards the Skyvalian traitors that had abandoned the Republic, and the clear socialism in Rikard’s platform made an easy and effective political poison. Nicholas was sure to hammer that point home again and again.
The mediator flipped to a new page and turned to Rikard. Because beginning and ending a debate was so advantageous, doing so was cycled between the candidates to promote “fairness”.
“Rikard. You’ve highlighted what you say are issues with Cloudbury’s courts. This has citizens concerned. What do you plan to do to address this?”
Rikard grabbed a piece of paper and waved it before the crowd.
“For too long, the “Judge Selection Loophole” has created a two-tiered justice system: the haves and have-nots. This piece of paper in my claws has over 200 griffons on it; griffons in prison right now because their judge was picked not by an unbiased council, but by the mayor. A process with no oversight. What did these griffons do to earn the mayor’s ire? We may never know, and that should worry you. Any of you might be next, innocent or otherwise! While most court cases only have an incarceration rate of 62%, the griffons on this list were imprisoned 100% of the time! Every. Single. Case. Led to a conviction, regardless of the evidence or the likelihood of guilt. Does that sound like justice? I vow when I’m mayor to close this loophole and re-trial everygriff on this list. No justice but popular justice!”
That got the biggest applause yet, but it was also Rikard’s most popular platform. It was a dangerous topic and Nicholas had to be careful to keep spotlight on Rikard’s motivations instead of his own. He pointed to Rikard accusingly.
“Rikard’s naked selfishness is all anygriff should be seeing right now, but what can you expect from a socialist. They cry and whine about “the worker this” and “voting that”, but the moment they get a taste of power, it’s all me, me, me. He wasn’t ready or willing to become mayor until one of his criminal friends was arrested. No doubt his list is full of his bootlicking cronies he’s itching to have re-trailed by a “fair, unbiased” jury of his Skynavian Komerads. Don’t let his fear-mongering keep you from making the right choice. Cloudbury justice not Red justice!”
He got a good amount of applause for that, but not enough to stop him from worrying. He grimaced.
‘I really shouldn’t have let Heinrich dump his dirty business on me like that. If not for that stupid bannergriff, I would’ve had this election in the bag.’
The mediator turned to Rikard.
“Closing remarks?”
Rikard turned to Nicholas and smiled.
“The mayor here makes some interesting points. He’s right that I didn’t feel ready, I’d thought I could wait another term, but I was wrong. What he calls my criminal friend is a 12-year-old chick! A bannergriff that only ever wanted to do right by everygriff. A “socialist” who’d side with the capitalists and the factory owners if it meant an end to harsh workers’ strikes. A patriot that braved gunfire to help her fellow citizen. But don’t take my word for it.”
Rikard held up another piece of paper and looked around at the crowd.
“This is a signed draft that Tobias Sivenhof – a self-described apolitical figure – personally addressed to me detailing the failures of the justice system in Cloudbury. A vote for me isn’t a vote for a Democratic Socialist, but a vote for steady, level-headed change! I’ll not be taking away private property. I’ll not be selling out to the Skynavians as Nicholas will have you believe. My policy will be overseen by Tobias himself to transform the judiciary back to how it was supposed to be. A vote for me is a vote for a more honest, less corrupt Cloudbury. Let me free you from Nicholas’ tyranny!”
The applause was similar to before, but Nicholas was no longer listening for that. He was completely blindsided.
‘How did he get-?! Damn it, if Tobias is siding with them, that means all my political campaigns until now have been for nothing! All my talk about him being a radical will just look like the whining of a loser.’
He calmed himself and did not let his anger appear on his face. He was in public!
‘I haven’t lost yet, but it’s far too close. I need to change my tactics. More money for a few last-minute smear campaigns against Rikard and Tobias might salvage my more hard-line supporters, but I need to do something about their image.’
He needed to prove the socialists were sending the nation into chaos… and if they were content to lie and cheat to hide their real intentions, Nicholas would lie and cheat to reveal them for the terrorists they were.
October 13th, 1003 – Powder Bridge Prison, Cloudbury, Griffonian Republic – Tanya POV
Tanya sat alone in her prison cell. Occasionally she would glance over at the crowds of griffons still protesting outside. She would say she was touched… but that would be lying.
‘Either they’re wasting valuable productive work hours yelling ineffectually into the wind or they’re my so-called “friends” in the L-NRP or the slums who’ve nothing better to do than ride on the coattails of my “infamy”. I suppose if they get me out of prison I can consider us even, but if they want that, don’t they have more important things they could be doing? The election is only a few weeks away! They should be canvasing the streets for votes!’
Ernst Thällgriff had told her the protesters were trying to encourage her and make her feel better during her prison stay… but why? She was fine. If anything, prison was something like a taste of what she imagined an early retirement would feel like.
‘Of course, I’d never say prison is a good thing. It’s clear that my preferential treatment is only thanks to my connections to powerful political figures. If anything, it’s the best and the worst of the Republic: corruption got me arrested in the first place, but favoritism allowed me to at least somewhat enjoy it. Regardless, I can’t wait to finally be out of here and doing something productive for a change.’
That wasn’t to say she had not been productive at all. She was now on the 4th draft of her book and was confident enough in it to begin talking to publishers and editors. While it would never be a best seller, she was at least confident that it would not be utterly ignored by the Republic’s readership either. As an example:
“Struggle is the law of nature: the survival of the fittest. Through the crucible of competition, griffons improve and overcome, but it is a burden. No creature can survive endless strife and unnecessary struggle breeds contempt. Conversely, collaboration is the law of civilization: the modern world is built on factories, farms, and government full of griffons working together, but it too is a burden. Corrupt and criminal people bring down and divide society.
“Politics seeks to regulate the millions of these daily struggles and collaborations at the national level to drive economic progress: an eternal campaign with no solution. No single political plan can possibly cover every situation, yet economic progress happens regardless. It happens because you make it happen. When you lead your co-workers to make improvements in your workplace or when you cut out the ineffective elements of your business, the economy prospers. In these ways your ingenuity and collaboration overcomes your struggles and the nation progresses into a brighter future. You alone make the nation a better place.”
Tanya groaned.
‘Argh, it’s so embarrassing! Two paragraphs just to point out common sense like “politics doesn’t absolve personal responsibility”. Of course the book still contains a lot of actually valuable information, but its buried underneath the rhetorical minutia. I suppose I should thank my surface-level marketing knowledge or I would be completely lost.’
She had made enough “calls-to-action” that it changed from the Human Griffon Resources (GR) Manual she wanted to write, and into something closer to a self-help book. The first part of the book “hyped up” the reader with the thousands of ways workers and business owners around the world improved society throughout history: from developing better tools to better procedures and better business practices. She made sure to emphasize the “super-griffon” results of these success stories, but also clarified that these entrepreneurs had humble origins not unlike the reader.
Then she made her “pitch” about GR: about improving oneself and one’s fellow griffon using the previous chapters as proof of its effectiveness in improving society. She showed how one could manage and organize griffons using metrics and analysis to determine areas of strength and weakness and use this data to improve productivity in subtle ways. A chapter then detailed ways to work around roadblocks made by politics and regulations regardless of whether the policies were socialist or capitalist. Finally, she discussed the limitations of GR, such as how metrics discovered by workers could be “gamed”, the importance of qualitative intangibles like morale and happiness, and so on.
Every paragraph had to reinforce to the reader how they were a part of the value being cultivated and every action they made proved their worth to others. That was what she took away from the other popular Republican works she had read: the emphasis on what small things the reader can do to become part of the message. She reinforced that point: so long as the reader went above and beyond in their workplace, their actions would be rewarded by the system. That was the fundamental axiom through which the modern world functioned, but it was something she felt was sorely lacking in the Republic.
The additional “fluff” also meant that – what had initially been a mere 10-or-so pages – turned into a 200 page novel. Her cell looked to be made of paper now.
“Tanya, your… guest is here.”
Tanya was interrupted from her work by the voice of a prison guard at her cell door. Nodding in acknowledgment, she put away her writing and held her claws out through a hole in the door to be cuffed. Once the manacles rendered her even more harmless, the guard opened the cell and led her to small room at the far end of the prison complex.
Unlike the scenes she had seen in movies, there was no plexiglass bisecting the room or phones built into the walls for her to talk through. Instead, the meeting room was just an ordinary one with four chairs and a table in the center. Tanya figured that practical concerns trumped security. With how poor and primitive the Republic was, corners were no doubt cut where needed.
After about 15 minutes of tedious waiting, the far door opened and a 14-year-old griffon chick with black and white feathers walked in.
Astrid was one of her student-employees at her Griffon Resources Co-Op. Despite the two year age-difference, she was a full head taller than Tanya. She wore a plain white sundress and black pants. The clothing was not for aesthetics; they were cheap and would not need to be regularly tailored as she grew. Astrid had started visiting the prison ever since Ernst stopped a week ago… which was for the best. The L-NRP Propaganda Head’s mood had been diminishing with each visit. Tanya could empathize, the prison atmosphere was not conducive to pleasant emotions.
Unlike the other orphans Tanya had “adopted”, Astrid was something of a “special case”. She was the oldest and the one least-effected by Tanya’s threats to send her to Red if she misbehaved. Luckily, she also seemed to idolize her. Astrid had heard of Tanya’s time as a courier and looked up to her as a role-model. Tanya could only conclude that her work-ethic and knowledge were being admired and seized the opportunity. Tanya took her on as a “protege” of sorts and Astrid took to the concept of Griffon Resources like a bird to flight.
Astrid had a large smile on her face as she practically leaped into the chair across from Tanya.
“It’s so good to see you, boss! I must’ve read your manuscript a hundred times since yesterday! It’s incredible! The world makes so much sense now! I’d always assumed that I wasn’t meant to be born… when everygriff told me I was worthless…”
Astrid paused and frowned. She pulled out the thick stack of papers from a saddlebag on her back. It was the 2nd draft of Tanya’s book. Tanya was already on her 4th draft so she did not mind giving the ambitious chick some extra homework if it kept her out of trouble. Astrid placed the pages delicately on the table in front of her and smoothed out a crinkle. She gave Tanya a big smile again and pointing excitedly towards the papers.
“…but I see now its those lying adults that were wrong! Griffons are resources to be cultivated and orphans like me are resources with the most potential! I’m so glad there is somegriff like you that could see my value and save me from their awful lies!”
Tanya could not help but chuckle.
‘There really is nothing worse than unemployment, is there? Most of the problems in the Republic could be solved just by giving everygriff jobs. Look at how eager griffons are to work! Once the Republic is back on track, I can step back and live out a quiet retirement safe in the knowledge that there will be plenty of hard working griffons to take my place.’
Tanya returned Astrid’s smile.
“No need to thank me. Each and every one of my student-employees are valuable resources for making the Republic a better place. Now we just need to get everygriff else on board.”
Astrid nodded and leaned forward at the table.
“Exactly! I’ve already been spreading your message in the slums and I think there are a lot of griffons interested in what you’re planning!”
Tanya was continually impressed by Astrid’s initiative. Had there been ambitious children like this in Japan? Tanya had been something of a loner in High School, but she remembered plenty of go-getters in the student council or in slice-of-life manga. Unfortunately, while Astrid’s drive was not in doubt, Tanya did wonder about her motivation. The chick was something of a sycophant: always agreeing with her ideas and sucking up to her. Luckily, Tanya had training as an HR manager and suck-ups were the easiest employees to manage. So long as she received second opinions from others and properly punished any, Tanya should be able to focus Astrid’s ambitions in productive ways.
For now, Tanya wanted to reinforce her employee’s determination.
“That’s great to hear. You did an excellent job. I’m expecting a lot of growth once our results speak for themselves. The next few years are going to see the biggest Return On Investment in history. 200% or even 1000% annualized ROI will be commonplace. Once automation and resource management are explicit and forecast-able, there will be no end to funding as stakeholders reinvest their profits back into their companies. After all, anygriff will be able to see the explosion in worker productivity as a start of mass-industrialization and would be stupid not to capitalize.”
Astrid looked awestruck.
“You’re two years younger than me, but you see everything so clearly! How do you do it?”
Tanya grimaced. With how extraordinary her circumstances were, it was better to let people come to their own conclusions.
“Ah… well I suppose you could say I was born this way. Still, my knowledge isn’t anything special.”
Astrid nodded emphatically and pointed to the book-draft on the table between them.
“Exactly! It’s like you said last time; this is all just a new form of Common Sense. Really, it’s no wonder that you were arrested. Really, that those lying adults fear your message only proves how important you are.”
Tanya frowned.
‘She must have been hearing some propaganda from that corrupt judge. I’ll want to nip that in the bud in case she develops any wrong ideas.’
Tanya shook her head.
“I’m not some sort of criminal, Astrid. Once Rikard’s elected mayor, he’s promised a fair retrial to prove my innocence. No, something like my book is harmless. In fact, it’s not politics at all! While the… passionate rhetoric might seem a little opinionated, the concept of Griffon Resources is perfectly compatible with any system of government.”
Tanya chuckled.
“Really, I’m not out to form a new political party, GR is about seeing things in a new way and bringing out the efficiency of the average worker. That’s something everygriff wants. The Harmonists want griffons to work together, Capitalists want to compete, Socialists… want to laze around. Everygriff has their wants and needs and it’ll be our job to work behind the scenes so that everygriff is happy and productive. It’ll be thankless work – many of the workers and owners will be frustrated with the compromises they’ll have to make – but our reward will be the money we make and the knowledge we helped make a better society.”
Astrid listened to her every word with rapt attention. While Tanya believed she was a bit too much of a yes-griffon, there was also no doubt that the eager chick was very intelligent and absorbed every bit of information told to her.
Astrid took out a notepad and pencil and began writing things down.
“Of course, we have to show how harmless we are. You’re right, I’m getting carried away.”
The pencil paused and the black-and-white chick frowned.
“But I’m not as smart as you. I’ve had trouble understanding things. How do I know who to fight for? The workers? The owners? Where do I draw the lines for where to compromise?”
Tanya nodded sympathetically. It was frustrating that there was no clear answers. In Japan, the answer was obvious, but the Republic muddied the waters. Both socialism and crony capitalism were rampant!
“It’s something I’ve struggled with too. As much as I can write things down in my book, GR is not something that can be boiled down to simple “rules”. You must remain unbiased, focus on the facts, and be flexible. Try to quantify how much more productive a given decision will make workers and weigh that against the possible loss in profits. Weigh factors like employee retention and a company’s long-term growth. Companies that are profitable should try to retain their valuable talent and grow, while unprofitable businesses should “trim the fat”. Some businesses should even be allowed to fail or merge with more successful ones. This is not a measure of their worth, but factors outside our control.”
Tanya tapped at her manuscript on the table.
“The important thing is to work with your fellow GR Managers. Patterns of success and failure will emerge and it will be our responsibility to distill that information into processes that will benefit society. Let the workers focus on work, the owners focus on growth, while you focus on management.”
Astrid hardly looked up from her notepad as she nodded along and furiously scribbled things onto the pieces of paper. She paused and looked up with a hopeful expression.
“Right. And now for something a little less theoretical. I think I know who to side with now… but I’m not sure what to do. You see, a business owner is trying to undermine their employees with lies in the media. What would I do to counter that?”
Tanya groaned.
‘I knew it was something like that! Why is it always the owners in the wrong?! I swear, do the capitalists hire from prisons or something? This is nothing like Japan at all!’
Tanya sighed.
“You need the owner to back down. What they’re doing is illegal and negatively impacts their Public Relations. Of course, often people think that lies don’t matter as long as they push the message hard enough and at that point you can only fight fire with fire. Find proof of what they’re doing wrong and threaten to go public with the information but only as a last resort. Public mudslinging doesn’t benefit anygriff; not the owner and certainly not the workers. Remember, this is a job creator. They are a vital part of our plan and you’ll need to work with them to solve the problem.”
Astrid nods, writes a final note in on her notepad and shoots up from her seat.
“Thank you so much! I’ve an idea and have to go! Don’t worry, I’ll keep working hard with Rikard to get elected so you can be freed! I’ll be sure to come back again to give you more updates!”
Tanya smiled at her enthusiasm as she rushed out the door, but she said nothing.
‘Of course, little Astrid won’t be able to help at all… she’s just a chick. Still, there’s no point discouraging her. With Tobias and the C-NRP working with them, Rikard probably has a shot at getting me out? Right?’
She sighed. She had a 4th draft to finish… and would probably have plenty of time to write a 5th.