PWD People Of The Year: Rick Mariano

I figured I’d start off with an obvious one. Hey, he’s right in the center of the graphic!

Had Rick Mariano done his City Hall breakdown/non-breakdown in 2006, he’d obviously be a shoo-in for the Person of the Year award. Alas, that happened back in October 2005 — it feels like it was just yesterday! — and so he’s merely one of our many People of the Year.

But that doesn’t mean our pal Ricky didn’t do anything this year, oh no. Early in the year, Mariano was sued by a former assistant who claimed she was fired for cooperating with authorities. Then his trial started — and was liveblogged by the Inquirer.

The trial featured profanity — “If you can’t get this fucking shit done, get the fuck out.” — as well as a side-story where Mariano got police officers to protect him from the media. It all culminated in Mariano’s March conviction, an apology from the councilman and his sentencing in June to 6½ years in prison.

It seems weird that Mariano got 6½ years. Not to make excuses for him, but all he was really guilty of was not figuring out a way to take bribes “legally” and yet he got pulled away from his family and sent to prison. Honestly, it’s a shame. When you can, say, get five years probation for soliciting sex for a minor, well… shit ain’t right.

But they say tragedy plus time equals comedy, and perhaps the story of Rick Mariano will one day become a full-blown comedy. Not that it doesn’t have any comedy in it to begin with. If tragedy plus time equals comedy, then what does comedy plus time equal? Well, even better comedy. Here it is, your Rick Mariano Moment of the Year, Gategate:

Ain’t never gonna get old.

Update: More Gategate goodness.

Prospects for 2007: Uh, in jail.

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