James Seay: Mayor Harold Emshaw

Quotes 

• Mayor Harold Emshaw : Well, there's no use beating around the bush. The newspapers have been attacking the police department for quite some time. They've been very hard on Commissioner Deane. It's effected his health. Now I'm proud of the department and I realize the tremendous job Commissioner Deane has done. I'm sure you'll agree. But there's a hue and cry for the appointment of a man from the department itself. Now you have the reputation for being a man who gets things done... who doesn't mind stepping on a few toes.

  Matt Gower : And for getting sent back in the department from deputy inspector to captain.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : Well, that was a little unfortunate. Suppose we make up for that? Now Commissioner Deane just left here. He's resigning - medical advice. Now I want you to take his place... at least for the moment.

  Matt Gower : For the moment?

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : As Acting Commissioner.

  Matt Gower : *Acting* Commissioner.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : Well, you could make the job permanent.

  Matt Gower : How do I do that?

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : You prove yourself the man for the job. Now, there's a great deal to be done. Yesterday, the newspapers were criticizing us for not eliminating the numbers racket. Today the murder of Henry, a city employee - they tried to tie him into the rackets. Dead in a locked car. Tomorrow it will be something else. Now you have the record and the ability - and I'm asking you to demonstrate it.

  Matt Gower : I'm not quite sure I understand you... but I'll make sure you understand me. I'll run the department my way.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : Of course.

  Matt Gower : With no interference from anyone.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : No interference.

  Matt Gower : Particularly from your office.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : ...Well, you'll be responsible to the mayor's office, but no interference. All I want is an efficient department.

  Matt Gower : I'll try to give you an efficient, clean department. My detail is clean. I won't stop until the town's the same way.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : That's what I want.

  Matt Gower : If that's what you want, that's what you'll get.

  Mayor Harold Emshaw : Mr. Commissioner.

  [Mayor Emshaw hold out his hand and Matt shakes it] 

  Matt Gower : Mr. Mayor.