As I said back in November, John Street is going to be mired in scandal after scandal for his entire second term.

Follow the bugs.

First, the FBI tapped the phones of a Muslim cleric and businessman operating out of a rundown building in Mount Airy.

Then, they tapped the phone at the plush Center City office of über-lawyer Ronald A. White, a wealthy power broker obscure to the public but well-known to the politicians who coveted his campaign cash.

Next, federal authorities tapped the city's treasurer, an eager young acolyte of White's who helped dole out lucrative city bond work.

Finally came the big leap: a bug in the mayor's office.

In textbook fashion, federal investigators have taken ever bolder steps as they ratchet up their investigation into municipal corruption in Philadelphia. They have mounted what Mayor Street recently described as a "wider and wider-range probe, kind of all over the place."

By the time the bug was pulled out of the ceiling of the mayor's office four months ago, the FBI already had reams of evidence: spools of tape from at least eight phone taps and three office bugs, for starters.

Now, federal authorities are nearing the final phase before indictments. Prosecutors are reviewing tapes, calling witnesses before the grand jury, and squeezing anyone they believe committed a crime. Their message: Cooperate, turn on others, or risk a long prison sentence. Textbook.

They are in charge though.