A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 504 504

"No objections, we have no objections."

"Yes, yes, yes, we all listen to Secretary Hughes."

As soon as the words fell.

Responses of agreement echoed below.

This situation left Jeff Hughes very satisfied, with a total of 12 standing committee members, he had control over seven votes, even if the rest joined forces, they couldn't bring him down.

This feeling of having great power in his hands made him intoxicated.

"Minister Carter, I previously asked you to draft a list of candidates for the top position in The Economic Development District. Have you drafted it yet?"

Jeff Hughes asked.

Dirk Carter nodded and said, "It's already prepared."

"Then go ahead and inform everyone."

Dirk Carter stood up.

Holding a folder, he said, "The Economic Development District is the key focus of Koryn City's next development phase. Therefore, the selection of candidates was carefully considered by the Organization Department based on the actual situation. There are two spots, Blackstone Town's Mayor Wallace Fisher and Havenbrook Town's Mayor Jesse Dixon."

Boom!

It was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

Jeff Hughes's expression froze.

Not only was he stunned, everyone aligned with him was stunned as well.

Before this meeting started,

Jeff Hughes had already discreetly informed his people that the top spot for The Economic Development District was predetermined to be the acting deputy district mayor of Silvercrest District, Gauthier Pace.

When it was time for the meeting, they would directly select Gauthier Pace.

For this,

Jeff Hughes had specifically informed Dirk Carter.

In his view, Dirk Carter would definitely include Gauthier Pace's name because it was his instruction, not just because of his position as Koryn City's top leader, but also because he currently held great power. Dirk Carter, being somewhat smart, should know that an arm can't twist a thigh.

Nominating a few who would definitely not be elected was meaningless.

"Minister Carter? That's it?"

Jeff Hughes asked.

Dirk Carter shook his head and said, "That's it, these are the nominees determined by the Organization Department, and the others don't meet the standards."

"Are you sure?"

Jeff Hughes hinted.

Dirk Carter smiled slightly and said, "Secretary Hughes, I am the Minister of the Organization Department, and I am responsible for the work of the department. How could I joke at the standing committee?"

"Minister Carter, the position of The Economic Development District is so important, yet your department only nominated these two people. I think your department also needs some internal reform."

At this point,

Jeff Hughes probably realized something too.

Dirk Carter was deliberately opposing him.

Thus, his words were already a reprimand to Dirk Carter.

However, Dirk Carter did not get angry.

He said, "Secretary Hughes, you just mentioned that the standing committee follows the principle of democratic centralism. If these two spots seem inappropriate to you, shouldn't we at least wait for a vote before deciding? Otherwise, giving Secretary Hughes the label of a one-man show wouldn't sound good."

After hearing this, Jeff Hughes sneered.

He asked, "Do you think there will be an outcome?"

"How would we know without trying?"

The two exchanged glances, sparks flying, tension crackling.

Jeff Hughes said contemptuously, "Fine, since Minister Carter is obstinate, let's vote then. I'll state my position first, I find both nominations unsuitable."

"I think the Organization Department has done a pretty good job. Both town mayors are veteran, capable, and experienced. Minister Carter, which one do you lean towards?"

Although Robert Shepherd didn't like Dirk Carter,

since it was Carter who got him into this mess, he disliked Jeff Hughes even more. After Jeff Hughes spoke, he asked Dirk Carter.

Dirk Carter smiled.

He said, "Personally, I lean towards Havenbrook Town's Mayor Jesse Dixon, who is known for great sacrifice and integrity. The newly established Economic Development District involves interests from all sides, and I believe having Jesse Dixon in the leading role is appropriate."

Robert Shepherd slammed the table.

He said, "Then it's Jesse Dixon, I also support Jesse Dixon. Vice Secretary Lambert, what do you say?"

The reason Robert Shepherd asked Carly Lambert was that, first, being the third-ranking official, it was her turn to speak.

Secondly, he was aware that Carly Lambert did not have an ordinary relationship with Dirk Carter.

Carly Lambert paused, looked at Dirk Carter, and smiled, "Dirk Carter's work is evident to all, of course, I agree with Minister Carter's view, I also choose Jesse Dixon."

In the blink of an eye,

Dirk Carter already had three votes.

However, Jeff Hughes remained unbothered.

As he believed he held an assured victory.

The fourth-ranking Cletus Lane was still napping, and Robert Shepherd didn't bother with him, he looked at Secretary of Discipline Josias Rayburn and asked, "Secretary Rayburn, what do you think?"

Josias Rayburn also took a glance at Dirk Carter and said, "I also agree with Dirk Carter's opinion."

Four votes!

This should be Dirk Carter's limit, right?

Jeff Hughes yawned.

Thinking, let them have their moment of cheer; it's my turn to counterattack next.

He just glanced at Wade Quincy.

Wade Quincy immediately understood and said, "The Economic Development District has a challenging task ahead. Neither Wallace Fisher nor Jesse Dixon has shown outstanding performances in managing their jurisdictions, so I think neither of them is appropriate."

Danielle Linden continued, "Secretary Quincy is right, if they can't even manage an ordinary township, how can they shoulder the flag for The Economic Development District? I also think these two are unqualified."

Unification Minister Brandon Sharp confidently talked.

He said a lot.

Finally, he also echoed Jeff Hughes's sentiment.

Just when it was Defense Minister Leo Zane's turn to speak, his secretary hurriedly ran in and whispered something in his ear.

Leo Zane's face turned shocked.

He rushed to Jeff Hughes and reported the situation.

Jeff Hughes nodded and said, "You go first, come back as soon as you're done."

Just like that,

Leo Zane quickly left.

This unexpected situation,

didn't affect the subsequent process.

As expected,

Bertrand Levin and Trevor Lewis both firmly stood on Jeff Hughes's side.

Six votes to four.

Jeff Hughes once again felt victory in hand.

"Minister Carter, the vote has been taken, haven't you seen any issues with the Organization Department's nomination yet?"

Jeff Hughes asked coldly.

Dirk Carter smiled and said, "Secretary Hughes, isn't the vote not concluded yet?"

"Sometimes, I quite admire you, Minister Carter. Young people possess this mysterious confidence. It's unbelievable how the teacher noticed you back then and personally recommended you for the position. But that's fine, 'won't rest until reaching The Yellow River,' right? Such spirit is commendable, hahaha..."

After these ridiculing words,

others also laughed along.

At this time, Leo Zane hurried back in.

Just as he sat down, Jeff Hughes urged, "Minister Zane, it's your turn to make a statement, this meeting has dragged on long enough, it's time to wrap up."

The overall situation seemed settled.

Nothing more needed to be said.

Jeff Hughes said leisurely.

Leo Zane paused and said, "I've thought carefully, and Minister Carter's points are quite valid. The Economic Development District needs a leader who is upright and unyielding. I also believe that Jesse Dixon is suitable for this role."

Buzz!

It was as if his mind suddenly exploded.

Jeff Hughes was startled.

Looking at Leo Zane as if he had seen a ghost.