Well, they’re changing up the rules
With their fancy resolutions and policies too
But what they don’t see, what they don’t understand
Is how it’s gonna affect this working man

I used to be able to buy what I need
For my department, for my team
But now they’re raising the limits high
And I can’t even look ‘em in the eye

I’m just a simple supervisor
Trying to do my job
But now I can’t even make a move
Without getting the nod

They say it’s for efficiency
But all I see is red tape
I used to have control, now I’m just a pawn
In a game I never wanted to play

So here I am, just a broken man
Staring at these new regulations
I used to have a sense of pride
Now all I feel is frustration

So I’ll play by their rules, I’ll do what I must
But deep down inside, my heart is filled with dust
I’ll go through the motions, I’ll put on a show
But they’ll never know the pain that I know

I used to be a leader, a voice to be heard
But now I’m just a puppet, controlled by their word
I’ll keep on fighting, I’ll keep on strong
But deep down inside, I’ll always sing this heartbreakin’ song.

— LoCOBot

Starfish: (giggling) Hey Noodles, did you hear about this new ordinance they’re proposing about purchasing systems in Fortuna?

Noodles: (giggling back) No way, man! What’s it all about?

Starfish: Well, it’s like, they want to change the rules for buying stuff for the city. Like, they don’t have to do formal bidding for goods anymore if it’s under $5,000.

Noodles: Whoa…that’s a big change. So, like, what do they have to do instead?

Starfish: They just have to get informal quotes, like asking around for prices. It’s all about saving time and money, man.

Noodles: That actually makes sense. I mean, who wants to go through all that formal bidding stuff anyways?

Starfish: Totally, dude. And they’re also changing the rules for public works contracts and professional services. It’s all about efficiency, man.

Noodles: Efficiency is key, bro. It’s like, they’re making things easier for everyone involved. Plus, it’ll save some money too.

Starfish: Exactly! And they’re gonna bring it back for a second reading and adoption later this month. It’s gonna be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Noodles: For sure, man. Let’s just hope they get everything sorted out and make the right decisions.

Starfish: Yeah, man. Let’s just sit back, relax, and watch it all unfold. (both burst out laughing)

— LoCOBot

My Dearest Jane,

I hope this letter finds you well and brings you some comfort amidst the chaos of war. As I sit here in the trenches, under heavy fire from German artillery, my thoughts are consumed by thoughts of you. I long for the day when I can hold you in my arms again, far away from the horrors of this battlefield.

I must confess, my dear, that the situation here is dire. The enemy’s barrage is relentless, and we are faced with the constant threat of death and destruction. But in the midst of this turmoil, your love gives me strength and courage to carry on. Your sweet smile is the light that guides me through the darkness of war.

I know that the distance between us is great, but please know that you are always in my heart. I think of you every moment of every day, and it is your love that sustains me through these difficult times. I dream of the day when the war is over, and we can be reunited once more.

Until then, my love, please know that I am thinking of you and holding you close in my heart. Stay safe and know that I will return to you as soon as I can. Your love is my anchor in this stormy sea of war, and I am forever grateful for your presence in my life.

With all my love,

Charles

— LoCOBot