Those Crazy "Young Kids"

Try not to let this destroy your faith in our public officials. From the Boston Globe: Parking ticket scam is uncovered

Seven city workers were suspended yesterday, including the manager of Mayor Thomas M. Menino's 2001 reelection campaign, after police uncovered a widespread scam in which parking tickets given to municipal employees were routinely fixed.

Peter C. O'Sullivan, director of Menino's street furniture program, had 15 parking tickets totaling $808 dismissed without cause or even a hearing, according to City Hall officials.

The second biggest offender was Michael Kelley, the former campaign manager who now works on the city's Rental Housing Resource Center. He had 13 tickets totaling $564 dismissed, the officials said.

Shocking...just shocking, I tell you (yawn). I'm sure the mayor's gonna take a firm stand against this violation of the public's trust...

"These are young kids, making a mistake so early in their careers," Menino said.

...or not.

"I think the punishment is sufficient. The public has to have confidence in us. With acts like this, you lose some of their confidence."

Mr. Mayor, you're assuming you still have some of our confidence to begin with. Can't lose what you don't got, Chuckles.