After a week of intense investigation and censure over a mounting tax scandal, Gov. David Paterson's top aide, chief of staff Charles O'Byrne, has resigned.

O'Byrne claims that clinical depression prevented him from paying his taxes for the past five years. His lawyers claim he suffers from “nonfiler syndrome,” a completely bogus ailment undoubtedly invented by his legal counsel in a last ditch effort to salvage his post.

In the end, O'Byrne owes the state more than $300,000 in back taxes. The amount sounds exorbitant but considering his salary of roughly $180,000 a year, the five year total, even after taxes, would still leave O'Byrne with more money than most.

I hate to call the kettle black. I am particularly horrible with money and making ends meet is a constant struggle. But I can't help but laugh at a man who claims depression kept him from paying his taxes. Parting with money leaves me pretty gloomy too, but goodness gracious - get it together.

As a result of the scandal, Paterson has ordered background checks of all executive chamber employees. But background checks on politicians. Seriously?! What are we hoping to find, unicorns?

Politics ain't beanbag. It's ugly stuff. I don't condone an abuse of power or privilege, but I suspect that a lot of people in Albany are going to sleep tonight with a lump in their throat. These background checks will only serve to expose more corruption, sex, drugs and lies. Consider; politicians wouldn't take foolish risks with their careers unless a whole lot of people were getting away with worse.

I'm not saying we should continue to turn a blind eye to political corruption just because we have been content to do so since 1776. But coming off of Eliot Spitzer, I'm running out of gasps.

I guess I'm just tired of being let down by politicians. I'm not ashamed to admit that I genuinely believed in Spitzer. There was a time when I thought he was being groomed for the presidency. Hard to imagine now.

But I take tremendous comfort in the fact that Paterson has enough confidence in his own background to challenge the chamber. But, as a presidential election heats up, it's important that we don't let state issues get swept under the rug.

Estabrook's column appears

Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com