As per the implication in the article, the former Mayor and close circle pushed an asymmetric "cash now, big trouble later" deal through in exchange for (implied) kickbacks and as a result of leaving office with zero chance of having to deal with the consequences.

There's much to be said for tying some form of liability to office holders who make a deal.

Sounds very much like that story of Jacob and Esau where Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup.