A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 503 503

"You say it's treatment, but didn't you take advantage of me?"

Fleur Haney said with a bit of bashfulness.

Dirk Carter replied, "Please don't say that, you have no idea how tough the process is, I nearly died from exhaustion."

"Enjoyed to death, perhaps?"

Fleur Haney said disdainfully.

...

9:30 the next morning.

The committee meeting initiated by Jeff Hughes convened.

Except for the deceased Cornell Morgan, all the twelve committee members were present.

Unlike any previous committee meeting, Jeff Hughes sat at the head seat today, appearing much more upright with a confident smile on his face.

Conversely.

Robert Shepherd, who was about to be disciplined, remained silent, a gloomy cloud hanging over his face.

Their states were clearly distinguishable.

Such a scene was not surprising at all.

Koryn City's committee had previously been a tripartite stalemate, a scattered mess, although Jeff Hughes was the leader, he lacked the authority to make final decisions.

Things were different now.

Cornell Morgan was dead, Robert Shepherd was embroiled in a fabricated bravery incident.

Both became defeated generals under him.

"Ahem..."

Jeff Hughes cleared his throat.

He glanced around at everyone and said, "Today's meeting mainly focuses on two personnel matters. For the first issue, Director Bertrand, please explain."

Bertrand Levin?

Wasn't Bertrand Levin under Cornell Morgan?

As Boone Jacobson mentioned, Jeff Hughes had quickly gathered Cornell Morgan's remnants.

Bertrand Levin nodded, glanced at Robert Shepherd, and said, "Secretary Hughes, recently, I went to the Civil Service Bureau to research. The people there reported several issues to me. The Bureau has quite a lot to handle internally, and they are shorthanded. Director Randolph Griffin is primarily focused on the Organization Department, which leads to lax management. Therefore, I believe it's necessary to strengthen the management of the Civil Service Bureau."

"Oh? Do elaborate."

Jeff Hughes said.

Bertrand Levin continued, "The Civil Service Bureau manages all city-wide civil service positions, examination and recruitment, assessment and rewards, training and supervision, covering all aspects of civil service management. It's the primary gateway for Koryn City's civil service recruitment. While Randolph Griffin has long prioritized the Organization Department's work, my suggestion is to relieve Randolph Griffin from his duties as Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department to concentrate fully on managing the Civil Service Bureau."

As soon as these words were spoken.

Some people's gazes froze.

Instinctively, they looked at Robert Shepherd.

After all, everyone knew Randolph Griffin had always been Robert Shepherd's trusted aide, like a right-hand man.

It's worth noting that the Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department is a departmental-level position, whereas the Civil Service Bureau, under the Organization Department, is a deputy departmental-level unit.

This means the director only needs to be at the deputy departmental-level.

If Randolph Griffin were relieved from his duties as Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department, it would effectively be a downgrade for him.

Robert Shepherd was startled.

He glared at Bertrand Levin with anger and said, "Levin, what are you doing? Having a departmental-level official serve as director of the Civil Service Bureau, how could you think of such a thing?"

"I'm being practical; it's for the benefit of Koryn City."

Bertrand Levin argued.

Robert Shepherd slammed the table fiercely.

Shouted, "Benefit my foot, can't anyone see your intentions?"

Seeing Bertrand Levin about to counter.

Jeff Hughes waved his hand, interrupting him, and said to Robert Shepherd, "Mayor Shepherd, I also think Director Bertrand made a lot of sense. Let's relieve Randolph Griffin from his duties as Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department. Sooner or later, it has to happen; it's better sooner than later, wouldn't you agree?"

The so-called sooner or later was a hint.

After all, the result of the fabricated bravery incident was yet to come, and Randolph Griffin was involved, his punishment was inevitable.

These words rendered Robert Shepherd speechless.

"It's normal to have differing opinions, but it's no problem, we can follow the voting procedure."

Jeff Hughes casually said, raising his hand directly, "I support relieving Randolph Griffin from his duties as Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department."

When he raised his hand.

It was akin to releasing a signal.

Publicity Minister Danielle Linden, Military Affairs Minister Leo Zane, and Office Director Bertrand Levin all raised their hands almost simultaneously, saying, "I also support."

After just a second of hesitation.

Wade Quincy, Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, also raised his hand, saying, "Seconded."

In the blink of an eye.

Jeff Hughes had secured five votes.

He was quite pleased with this outcome.

He looked at United Front Minister Brandon Sharp, and asked, "Minister Sharp, what are your thoughts?"

Securing Cornell Morgan's people was expected.

Brandon Sharp had always been one of Robert Shepherd's people, naturally protecting Shepherd's interests, and everyone expected him to reject the proposal without hesitation, however, the result was different.

Brandon Sharp's eyes flickered.

After a brief hesitation, he raised his hand, saying, "I also support Director Bertrand's proposal."

"What's the matter, Brandon?"

Robert Shepherd was stunned by the situation.

Unable to contain himself, he shouted at Brandon Sharp.

Jeff Hughes smiled slightly and said, "Mayor Shepherd, what's going on with you today? Throughout the meeting, you've been yelling. What? Can't Minister Sharp express his own genuine thoughts?"

"Jeff Hughes... you..."

Robert Shepherd suddenly realized.

No wonder Jeff Hughes dared to boldly remove his right-hand aide; he had already determined that Brandon Sharp switched allegiance amidst Robert Shepherd's unfavorable circumstances.

"Mayor Shepherd, you're not young anymore; you should learn to remain calm, right? Relieving Randolph Griffin from his duties as Executive Deputy Minister of the Organization Department is the will of the people, and this committee emphasizes democratic centralism, you can't continually violate the system, can you?"

Another indirect remark.

Robert Shepherd was so angry his nostrils fumed.

But he couldn't do anything about it.

"I also support."

Amidst the silence.

Another bombshell; Trevor Lewis, Party Secretary of Taigu Street, also spoke.

Trevor Lewis was previously one of Robert Shepherd's people and now he defected too.

Robert Shepherd's influence had waned, while Jeff Hughes had secured seven votes, rendering any opposition futile.

It was an overwhelming advantage.

Jeff Hughes disdainfully glanced at Robert Shepherd, his eyes brimming with satisfaction, ready to drown Robert Shepherd.

"Alright, we've already secured seven votes; the remaining people's opinions are of no consequence. We can proceed to discuss the next issue."

Jeff Hughes said.

This decision was paving the way for the next issue.

Jeff Hughes was telling everyone present that henceforth, whatever he Jeff Hughes says goes, regardless of Cornell Morgan or Robert Shepherd, they're things of the past.

Even with Dirk Carter's faction.

He didn't take it to heart at all.

Not even granting them the opportunity to vote.

"According to the decision of the Provincial Reform and Development Commission, the Economic Development District is officially established after the New Year. Cornell Morgan's incident happened unexpectedly, no one anticipated it. The day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve. What I think is, let's solidify the District Committee Secretary position for the Economic Development District today. I suppose there are no objections?"

Jeff Hughes said.