Mayor Bill de Blasio responded today to longtime ally Al Sharpton’s tax troubles, distinguishing between Sharpton’s professional/public work and personal tax issues.  While not excusing Sharpton’s tax troubles, de Blasio did minimize their consequence on Sharpton’s public role.  de Blasio was asked about Sharpton at a press conference/media roundtable focused on City efforts to address problems in the Corrections Department and the jails it operates on Rikers Island.

de Blasio’s full off-topic Q&A is here.