The Outfit Wins and Bonanno Surrenders

Accardo had no intention of letting up on his opponents now that he had them on the run. Now was the time to create as many legal problems for the faction from New York. Accardo pulled in some of his markers and arranged for the Vegas Star to have a series of labor problems. Efforts were also put into motion for anyone who was foolish enough to cross the picket lines to feel the heat from those on strike. A threat here a damaged car there and soon the message got out that the honor of the picket line should not be ignored. Profits from the New York controlled Vegas Star began to fall off and the required cash flow for the construction of the Camelot was becoming a major concern.

Aware of the great plans Bonanno had for the Camelot, Accardo decided that a move against this dream should be his next move. The grand plans for the construction of the Camelot called for new heights to allow for all the rooms required. A special variance was required for such a building. The cost to make sure the variance was granted was viewed as an investment that would be returned once the Camelot was completed and opened. But problems began to arise in relation to the construction plans and timetable. The same type of labor problems began to arise at the Camelot building site and construction began to slow to a stand still. Then to make matters worse the special variance granted for the size of the building had come into question with the local commissioners. It cost Accardo a tidy sum to buy off the local politicians to see things from a different perspective but it was money well spent. Of course Bonanno had the opportunity to spread around some of his own money to change the position back to his favor. But the money problems due to the strikes at the Vegas Star and the construction site were making additional cost outlays questionable. Plus Accardo aware of this possible move by Bonanno had taken pains to make sure that the feelings against the Camelot went beyond the power of the Commissioners. Due to support of a local newspaper the anti-Camelot movement had become a local grassroots movement. There was no way that Bonanno would be able to buy off the general public.

Bonanno was blocked no matter which way he turned. With a declining cash flow and the problems related to the construction of the Camelot Bonanno felt that he had hit a brick wall. His belief that the Outfit had become too soft to deal with his move in Vegas did not take into account just how tough Accardo could become if he was pushed hard enough. Bonanno had learned his lesson at great expense and was forced to put thought into dropping his plans by pulling out of Vegas.

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