Gov. Pateron's Aide Claims "Non-Filer Syndrome"

I'm sure the IRS officials who have to read this will get a chuckle, right before they drop the hammer on Charles O'Byrne.

claimed Wednesday he failed to pay taxes for five years because he has "non-filer syndrome."

"These are very high-functioning people who otherwise can complete all of the ordinary tasks in their lives," O'Byrne lawyer Richard Kestenbaum insisted.

"But there is something that they can't do, and many times that causes them not to be able to file their tax returns."

Here's why O'Byrne didn't file his taxes. He chose not to. You must pay them. Failure to do so is subject to criminal and civil penalties. This is a lame attempt to avoid paying penalties, interest, on his tax obligations, which is over $300,000 (and $100,000 more than previously indicated).

Gov. Paterson is going to have to distance himself from O'Byrne over this.

UPDATE:
Gov. Paterson is now calling for background checks on his top officials. That's what should be done before they get the jobs, not after. No check was done on Paterson's chief of staff O'Byrne. Oh, and it's an opportunity to play name that party! Thanks AP!