The Mayor, in fact, is facing opposition closer to home.

In addition to the political dimensions, the Mayor also faces a more fundamental human problem.

Now, the Mayor and several top advisers face personal contempt charges for the same problem.

The Mayor is also facing stronger opponents this year than in 1985.

The city's Mayor faced an unexpectedly close re-election campaign, as a result, many felt, of his big project.

Politicians deserve some privacy, especially in a situation like the one the mayor is facing right now.

"I am aware of the difficulties the Mayor faces in meeting budget gaps," she said.

That would be problematic enough if the Mayor had small aspirations, or faced easy tasks.

That may be a problem that any mayor grappling with bad economic times would face.

This sort of politics could be confusing, if it comes to that, since the Mayor is also facing other political pressures from conservatives.