Telling him to jump (even if the right thing to do), would have resulted in a ten million dollar lawsuit for ---whatever...
Tell them to get stuffed. Refuse to pay any judgement. If Federal troops seize the city government, repeal the city tax ordinances, refund all city assets to the taxpayers, and go into hiding as the legal and proper government of the city.
Come on guy, I know all about that lawsuit stuff. Politicians really don't care as long as they have the taxpayer to pay for the judgement.
Humor, lad. Sardonic humor.