DEREK JETER OR JOHNNY JETER?

A few months back, Mayor Tutunjian went into ecstasies about hiring disgraced Judge Tom Spargo as a Deputy Corporation Counsel. Spargo was put on the payroll to the tune of $30,000.

Harry compared hiring the ethically challenged Spargo to, "signing Derek Jeter."

Jeter, a beloved Yankee shortstop, is probably heading to the Hall of Fame. Spargo is lucky that he still has his law license. So, the comparison is spot on.

Spargo, when hired, did not reside in Rensselaer County. He never did and was never going to move here. He's a Berne guy. Harry knew this but still hired him, knowing that Spargo would be violating the residency requirement. Now, we're not accusing Harry of being unethical. We're just saying that he does unethical things. There's a big difference.

Spargo left the employ of the City back in July. The reason given was that he didn't have time to work for Troy and pursue his election law practice. Spargo is now a "consultant' for Troy. Truth is, under pressure from fellow Republicans and the editorial page of The Troy Polloi, Spargo decided Troy wasn't worth it and he moved on to greener pastures. He's still getting money, but now he's a "consultant." Well, according to The Charter, the City Council has to approve money paid to consultants. Has that been done?

Derek Jeter, Harry? For Troy, Tom Spargo was more like Padres outfielder, Johnny Jeter. Johnny amassed just over two-hundred hit in his career, with a lifetime batting average of .244.

Unfortunately, this all comes down to arrogance. It happens with most administrations. These clowns have been arrogant for some time now. The Code and Charter are ignored at will, appointed political hacks think they're more important than elected representatives and laws are selectively used to attack political rivals or those critical of the administration. It's not talked about much in the press yet, but it's out there and it will come back to bite them in the ass. Pattison became arrogant, only he was smart enough to ensure he didn't take the fall, City Council Democrats did that for him. Now, for Mirch, Mitchell and Harry, in his own passive-aggressive way, it is only a matter of time before it happens again.

If we're still using baseball metaphors, Harry, this move makes you look like a Berra: Dale, not Yogi.

Later this week: Did the city suspend Corporation Counsel Dave Mitchell's prescription drug plan?