[markbarbera]

He definitely could benefit from a communications expert, given that the Spec is so intently focussed on casting Bratina in the worst light possible at every available opportunity, and they haven't had a chance to do so since Christmas. Finally they couldn't wait any longer and stooped to recycling old news, with Dreschel stooping to his usual lows to stir up the political pot, and with Emma Reilly consistently confusing the role of reporter with that of columnist.

Honestly, it is sensational tabloid journalism at its worst. Previous mayors' chiefs of staff have made the sunshine list without nary a blink from the reporters at Fort Frid, and a rather large cohort of senior staff at city hall will be there as well this time around. Honing in on Chapman was a smarmy attempt to get more leg out of an otherwise dead story. Unfortunately they got their wish and the mayor responded. Despite the temptation to right the wrong of yellow journalism, he shouldn't have responded because with these guys it doesn't matter how one responds, context is no longer a concern when it comes to splashing a sensational story in a paper at the Spec these days. You'd swear it was J. Jonah Jameson running that rag.