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Chapter 87: No Way, It Can't Be!
In every city, there were some special jobs that were not highly profitable and the municipal government was unwilling to handle themselves. These included jobs like city cleaners, regional service companies, and public welfare organizations. Previously, these jobs were managed by the Social Services Bureau, but due to various reasons, it was eventually decided to contract them out to specialized companies and enterprises.
Similar to the public transportation in Sabin City, it was also one of the public services transferred from the Social Services Bureau. Because these businesses, such as city cleaning, garbage disposal stations, and various welfare homes, were difficult to generate profits, they couldn't rely solely on the earnings of cleaners to make substantial money. Therefore, the municipal government provided some financial subsidies and policy incentives.
For example, in terms of taxation, certain exemptions were granted to encourage large companies to take on more social responsibility. However, was it only non-profit public service companies that received subsidies? Not necessarily. City transportation companies were known to be profitable. The determination of whether a company met the subsidy criteria depended entirely on its political value and significance.
If necessary, the leaders of Sabin city would initiate discussions, hold hearings to gather opinions from industry experts and the public. As long as everyone agreed, subsidies would be granted. The crucial line not to cross was making the public feel that such actions were unnecessary. In media terms, the federal government was an efficient and transparent government that always committed to not wasting taxpayers' money.
While citizens may not be knowledgeable about certain things, they knew how to assert their identity as taxpayers and how to make a fuss about it.
However, Lynch's second-hand goods trading auction... it didn't seem like a public welfare endeavor; at most, it had some connection to social services.
This puts a complex expression on Ferrall's face. On one hand, he felt that Lynch was not easy to deal with, and on the other hand, he experienced a sense of irony, realizing that he had become somewhat foolish after constantly belittling others.
Once Lynch secured the subsidy, the salary he paid to him may not even be a fraction of the subsidy. Even though that money had no direct relation to Ferrall, he still felt a sense of loss.
He remained silent, pretending that he didn't know, but Lynch began to raise the stakes. "Mr. Consultant, you may not be aware, but by the end of this year, I will expand the Interstellar Trading Company(星际贸易公司) throughout the entire state, with headquarters in Sabin city."
"At that time, I will also establish a brand-new warehouse district and a dedicated transportation company to boost the economy of the state through the second-hand goods market."
"By then, the Interstellar Trading Company's second-hand goods transactions will cover the entire state, and even extend beyond the state. I believe this will have a significant impact and provide Mr. Mayor with a remarkable political achievement."
"People will be able to satisfy their pursuit of a high-quality life with less money, while also greatly reducing some of the social problems that have arisen. People often turn to crime due to poverty, and now there's a legal way to make money. As long as the federal and state governments can find ways to revive the economy in a short period, we might have an easier time getting out of difficulties and becoming the focus of the nation."
"And, I personally promise that by next year, the number of employees in my company will exceed five hundred…"
As Lynch spoke, he took out a checkbook and a pen. As the tip of the pen almost touched the check, he looked up and asked a question completely unrelated to the previous content, "What is the maximum individual donation limit in this state?"
In order to limit capitalists from engaging in political donations and unethical transactions with politicians, the federal government had set a maximum donation law. Each person had an annual donation limit, effectively curbing the momentum of capitalists seeking political endorsements. However, it also made things somewhat complicated, and in reality, it was not very effective.
Most companies would collectively donate to politicians of their affiliations, including part-time employees who may only earn a hundred bucks a month; they would also donate up to the limit to support their party. Everyone knew why this was done and understood the reasons behind it.
To strengthen information management, the law was later amended, requiring the recording of each donor's name and the amount donated. However, this did not prevent the transfer of interests—donations could be reimbursed beyond the limit. People would still enthusiastically donate and would even feel that the limit was too low.
Ferrall immediately realized something. He adjusted his posture in his seat and said in a low voice, "The state limit is one hundred and fifty bucks in cash..."
Lynch did not say anything. He immediately wrote a number on the checkbook, tore the check out, and pushed it over.
It was a brand-new transfer check. The amount of seventy-five thousand bucks on it made Ferrall's breath quicken.
He looked at the check, then at Lynch. Lynch put away the pen, revealing a smile as bright as sunshine. "I think, since Mr. Mayor took charge of Sabin city, our city has made considerable progress. I strongly support Mr. Mayor's political agenda and governance philosophy."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "By the way, what party does Mr. Mayor belong to?"
Ferrall almost ran away covering his face in embarrassment. He raised his hand, rubbed his eyebrows, and reluctantly said, "Federal Progressive Party(联邦进步党)..."
"Yes! Federal Progressive Party!" Lynch pointed at Ferrall. "The Federal Progressive Party, a great party. I know them and appreciate their performance. This is my donation to Mr. Mayor and the Federal Progressive Party. It's not illegal, right?"
Ferrall forced a smile, shaking his head. It was not illegal, it didn't exceed the limit, so there was no violation. "But you'll need a list, sir. These names need to be registered with the donation."
Lynch casually picked up the telephone directory from the corner of the table and slammed it back onto the table. Staring at Ferrall, he said in a commanding tone: “There are more than five hundred people here.”
The two locked eyes for a moment. Ferrall sighed and nodded. He understood Lynch's meaning.
Of course, he wouldn't be the one doing all this. Their office had young people specifically handling these dirty and tiring tasks. These individuals knew how to extract five hundred names from the phonebook to make the donation look more comprehensive.
After Ferrall picked up the check and stuffed it into his pocket, Lynch continued to inquire, "When can I expect my subsidy?"
Ferrall thought for a moment. "We need to study it, and there will be at least five hearings. If it gets approved, the municipal government will support you with funds or policy assistance, such as tax exemptions."
Lynch raised an eyebrow. "I thought tax exemptions were only for small companies."
In comparison to subsidies, tax exemptions would bring more tangible benefits, but they were not absolute. For a company that could only earn one million a year, an additional subsidy of five hundred thousand from the federal government would exceed the benefits of tax exemption. The maximum tax exemption could only waive over thirty percent of various taxes, which was around three hundred thousand. However, a subsidy of five hundred thousand would still allow them to earn some after paying taxes.
But for someone like Lynch, ambitious and confident in realizing his ambitions, tax exemption was more valuable than subsidies. He was confident that within two or three years, he would be able to achieve millions, tens of millions, or even more in net profit.
Satisfied, he nodded, seemingly casually asking, "No one will make things difficult for me, right?”
This statement carried a hint of warning. Ferrall shook his head, saying, "It shouldn't."
“Good!” Lynch said and stood up, prompting Ferrall to stand up as well. He extended his hand, shaking Ferrall's hand, smiling. "Please tell Mr. Mayor that I admire him very much and hope we can have dinner together sometime."
Ferrall had fewer thoughts at this point. After nodding repeatedly, he quickly left. He didn't want to encounter people like Lynch again.
Watching Ferrall hastily leave, Lynch couldn't help but laugh. Only a fool would think that his money was so easy to get.
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