Can a professional administrators advise an elected official on a matter of political strategy such as this?

Can a professional administrators advise an elected official on a matter of political strategy such as this? Why or why not? If so, are there any limitations on the kinds of advice that can be given?  can an administrator advise the mayor on the political consequences for him personally if he assumes leadership of the income tax campaign? If not, how should the situation be explained to the mayor?