It would be interesting if Harry Riccobene was free too by the time. In this case, do you think he would have more or less potential to become boss than Martorano?
I guess it depends who is making the call. Scarfo put Tony Buck in place essentially because he was his cousin, would NY have chosen Riccobene? Possibly - he was a made guy practically 60 years by that time. Credential wise he was qualified, but if quieting things down was the objective, I doubt it. Faffy killed Bobby Riccobene in front of their mother... would have had to think that if he gets out, certain people are going.
Chickie Chang, if he doesn't go away might have been another qualified choice, same with Santo Idone who was really low-key for a long time. Would NY also be privy to letting someone like Martorano, for all accounts a very high-profiled drug dealer also takeover the family? His kid, George also sitting on a ridiculous drug empire was drawing heat at the time too. I think if its up to NY, probably not. But yeah I'd put Martorano over Riccobene if we're talking 1988-1989 and both are on the street.