at mark. there isnt neccesarily a 'neighborhood don'. what your thinking of is the theory behind 'cosa nostra' itself.dont forget that 'this thing' evolved from the southern italian way of thinking,that rhe government was not to be trustedand to resolve issues yourself.hence,'dons' became 'judges'. so to speak. if you grow up in theneighborhood,you will have friends [or family in my case] that are 'connected'.

ive said it before on here,most 'associates' are one of two things.they are 'hungry' or 'scared'. there is a common misconception that all 'associates' are just 'partners in crime'.many assoxiates are nothing more than a lousy gambler who was slapped around. 'hungry' guys are the ones that do there best to 'shine' they are 'career-minded',so to speak.

what you are thinking of mark, is basically, the idea of a 'made guy's role in the neighborhood.mostly they steal and scam but this is what they are supposed to do. they are 'there' to help you.the fbi will call most of this extortion,but anyways.lol.. there are a thousand situations where a made guy ccan help you. say your behind on your rent.he can loan you money. say you lost your job.he [theoretically] could 'vouch' for you and help you get a job. say you own a different shy some money and you cant pay the vig,he asks the guy to give you an extra week or two.someone owes you money,he collects it. thats the 'idea' of 'cosa nostra'. hope i answered your question mark.