Abelove fires Desso's Son

We had heard the firing was coming, but the hiring itself was a waste of taxpayer money, a political payback for the father's efforts to elect Abelove four years ago. A $78,000 taxpayer expense now eliminated just as the father's job was eliminated when Steve McLouglin became County Executive.

But all should take notice of the apparent reason that the DA fired Desso. If it was a condition for a county job for the soon to be jobless Abelove, that's a potential crime under federal law. Kind of like the President dangling a pardon for Paul Manifort if he keeps his mouth shut in front of the Special Council's Grand Jury.

So we hope McLaughlin is wise enough not to fall into this trap and so far he has been on top of this game. He also wants to be clear of any repercussions that will occur when Abelove's criminal charges are reinstated by the Appellant Division of State Supreme Court. The last thing he needs is to hire a defeated candidate who then faces criminal charges. But pay attention to the comments of Richard Crist, McLoughlin's political aide. He leaves the door open to the worst case scenario. McLaughlin owes Abelove nothing. Crist, however, owes him a thank you for dismissed criminal charges when he took office.

You can read about this here in the Times Union.