American Tax Officer-Chapter 652 - 328: The Eve of Taking Office_2

Chapter 652: Chapter 328: The Eve of Taking Office_2

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In the following few days, Charlotte de John and her two partners utilized their own media channels to fully promote David’s appointment.

They listed the various benefits of David’s accession to the high ranks of the Internal Revenue Service, such as having more power to deal with more and larger tax cases, which would increase tax revenue to benefit the public.

But that wasn’t what moved the public the most. What truly captivated them was the ‘insider news’ that these three manipulated their media to release.

They hinted that David intended to support a piece of legislation called the ‘Welfare Fund Act’ after his high-level appointment, which would increase the existing welfare funds by an additional third.

As one knows, welfare is a basic guarantee in developed countries—it can be said to benefit all citizens.

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Upon hearing of such an immense benefit, the American public naturally went wild. They stopped opposing David’s promotion and even many vowed that if David truly supported this legislation and succeeded, they would support him unconditionally to become Chief of the Internal Revenue Service!

In just a few days, the winds of public opinion regarding David’s promotion shifted to an overwhelmingly positive stance, which made him marvel at the tremendous power of the media.

Time quickly advanced to October 10.

The Los Angeles IRS had already halted most of its operations today. All the inspectors, Chief Tax Officers, and Tax Investigators were gathered inside the bureau, but at the moment, they all wore the same expression: dejection.

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Because days ago, they had already been notified that their director David was to go to the headquarters to assume his new role on the 12th.

The thought of the Los Angeles IRS losing all its glory and attention following their director’s departure made the people’s hearts indescribably heavy.

“Where’s your director?”

Just as the inspectors in the lobby were silently grieving, a confident voice came through, forcing them to collect their thoughts and look up.

The newcomer was none other than Director João of the California branch of the Internal Revenue Service.

“Director João, our director is still in his office, dealing with some work transitions. Would you like us to notify him?”

One of the Chief Tax Officers stepped forward to ask.

João waved his hand and said, “If he’s doing transition work, then let’s not disturb him for now. I came here to bid your director farewell.”

“Alright…”

In the time that followed, David’s former subordinates like Keanu and Lewis rushed over, and the directors and senior officials from other districts had also arrived, all under the pretext of saying goodbye to David.

Director’s Office.

“That’s everything I wanted to say and hand over. From now on, the Los Angeles IRS is in your hands!”

One by one, the senior officials of the Los Angeles IRS left, and in the end, only Buckynison Simmons and the Deputy Director Ossatowal remained.

At this moment, Ossatowal’s face revealed a trace of conflict. He had served as the Deputy Director in Los Angeles for nine years, and his qualifications and contributions were substantial.

Now, if David were to be transferred, according to the customary practice of bureaus nationwide, it should have been his turn to take over.

But the dilemma lay in the fact that Los Angeles was no ordinary place; being the second-largest city in America, its importance was self-evident.

To become the Director here, one either needed to have a profound background or, like David, rise to the position through immense prestige and contributions to tax affairs, against the opinion of many.

As he had neither of these advantages, and since he hadn’t received any notice from the headquarters over the past few days, it was evident that the chosen successor was not him, which naturally made him anxious.

Knowing that David’s transfer would leave the position of the Los Angeles IRS Director vacant, this was an opportunity of a lifetime for him.

If the headquarters truly confirmed a candidate and made an announcement, then he would not have the slightest chance.

And now, the greatest opportunity for him lay in securing David’s support.

Following the standard practice within the Internal Revenue Service, the outgoing bureau chief had a certain degree of recommendation privilege when it came to his successor, but this was not actually what Ossatowal valued the most.

What he deemed most important was that David was about to ascend to a senior position at the headquarters, and as a senior official there, he would possess more than just the power to recommend; he would have decisive authority.

So, if after taking office David could endorse him during a high-level meeting, the likelihood of his appointment would significantly increase.

But on that note, ever since David had transferred over, despite his continuous efforts to please and his cooperation with various tasks, he seemed to never genuinely earn David’s approval, and this was precisely why he hesitated to speak up until now.

“How are you doing, Deputy Chief Ossatowal? Is there anything else?”

“I…”

Upon hearing David’s prompt, Ossatowal came back to his senses and, after some hesitation, finally steeled himself and said, “Chief, I wonder what your thoughts are regarding the new chief taking office?”

“The new chief taking office… I haven’t really given it much thought,” David replied, his expression thoughtful—though it was all just an act.

In the past few days, with the deputy chief hopping around and offering flattery left and right, it wasn’t hard for him to see through it—he wasn’t blind, after all.

In truth, he did have thoughts about his successor.

After all, Los Angeles was an essential territory within the IRS system; if his confidant could take charge here, his own influence at the headquarters would subsequently increase.

He thought it would be optimal if Keanu could take over.

Keanu, after all, was someone he had personally supported, and while not as close to him as Buckynison Simmons and the others, was definitely one of his people.

Moreover, as the current Chief of the Western Suburb Branch, the procedure for Keanu to become the Chief of the Los Angeles City Bureau was also logical.

But the only problem was that Keanu didn’t possess the striking reputation and notable achievements in tax enforcement that he had.

Keanu’s rise from Tax Investigator to Deputy Chief and then to head of the Western Suburb Branch was already meteoric, attracting the envy of many.

And Los Angeles wasn’t just any place—it was a fiercely contested territory within the various factions of the IRS system, so David wasn’t fully confident that he could ensure Keanu’s ascent.

“Chief, the Los Angeles IRS is a critical place. If you wish… I can secure it for you and form a strategic front with you at the headquarters!” Ossatowal did not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance and finally revealed his intentions.

His words essentially told David, “From now on, I’ll be your man, ready to follow your lead—please support me.”

“Deputy Chief Ossatowal, those words should stay within these walls—do not speak of them lightly outside. As for the selection of the Los Angeles bureau chief, it is not something for you and me to conjecture at this time. That’s a matter for the decision-makers at the headquarters to discuss!”

Hearing these somewhat scolding words, Ossatowal’s spirits sank. Had he been too eager these past few days and displeased David?

“However, I will soon be joining the decision-making circle at the headquarters, and by then I will have the authority to discuss such matters. You’ve been hardworking and dedicated at the Los Angeles IRS for many years, making significant contributions. When the time comes, if it’s appropriate, I’m not ruling out the possibility of recommending you.”

David’s idea of “appropriate” meant that only if his plans for Keanu fell through would he consider backing Ossatowal.

Although he didn’t quite trust this deputy chief, he couldn’t just stand by and watch an opponent’s faction claim this vital stronghold.

“That would be wonderful!”

Ossatowal, who had felt despair only moments before, was instantly elated at the prospect.

Even though he detected in David’s words a lack of unwavering support for him, the mere chance was already promising enough.