"Tell them the review process must be rigorous and meticulous. We must be responsible for every single cent of the taxpayers' money."
"Every potential hazard must be investigated on-site."
"The depth of every pothole must be measured with a ruler."
"The price quote for every bag of cement must be compared against three different suppliers."
Moretti leaned back in his chair, spinning around comfortably.
"Stall."
"As long as we're following procedure, he can't accuse us of inaction."
"We're just conducting a responsible review."
"By these standards, reviewing three documents a day would be fast."
"Four thousand applications?"
"Taking a year or a year and a half to review them is perfectly normal administrative efficiency."
"By the time we're done, the public's anger will have long since faded, and half his term as mayor will be over."
"He wants to play the procedural game? Fine, I'll play along."
