The objective of the move was to send a clear message to voters that the days of mismanaging public funds were over and done, left back in the old building. Time proved the contrary. The termites of public administration, impossible to eliminate, had already infiltrated the foundations of the new headquarters before the move even took place. Dornelas came through the entrance gate fifteen minutes before the press conference was to begin. The hot sun made the air oppressive. The Brazilian, state and city flags hung from poles stuck in the ground in front of the big, two-story building recently painted an immaculate white. The intention was clear: to hide the stains on City Hall’s reputation. Reporters, photographers and cameramen were smoking outside. When they saw the inspector arrive there was a collective dropping and stamping out of the cigarette butts as they all began running in his direction. “Only at the press conference, I’m sorry,” Dornelas said before being hit by a burst of questions.
