Sperzel's previous employer was City a& Suburban Federal Savings Banks, which was acquired by Ridgewood Savings Bank.

Ridgewood is one of New York City's last mutual savings banks. Almost all others have converted to stockholder ownership over the last 20 years.

If Ridgewood were to buy Carver, then Carver depositors would become Ridgewood depositors. That would make them eligible to buy stock in Ridgewood if it were to convert to stockholder ownership. A Ridgewood stock offering is certain to go up.

Carver stockholders deserve this second chance. As bad as things got for New York City banks over the last 18 months, and as bad as their stock performance was, Carver's was worse.

Here's to hoping Ridgewood Savings Bank buys Carver and rescues the abused Carver shareholders from their long-term misery.