Not the Jimmy Breslin way

Hizonner Bill de Blasio lost the onner somewhere on his trip to 42nd St. and Second Ave., where he christened it “Jimmy Breslin Way” Tuesday after the late, great Daily News columnist. On that block, where this paper’s newsroom once buzzed, Breslin clacked out stunning column after stunning column celebrating the city’s working people and exposing the shallow machinations of those in power.

Admitting he barely knew the guy, de Blasio mused: “He wanted us all to be held accountable for what we did for everyday people.”

Then he introduced members of the writer’s family and a parade of local pols. And yanked a string to reveal the street sign. And posed for photos.

At which point came the inquiry from the Daily News: “Mr. Mayor, do you think Jimmy Breslin would have wanted you to take questions today?”

Or could reporters at least talk to the city employee who hung the Jimmy Breslin Way sign — a modern-day counterpart to the John F. Kennedy gravedigger Breslin legendarily interviewed?

A Department of Transportation operative complained about the lack of advance notice, demanded to pre-clear questions and, after relenting to allow a few, moved to cut off the interview.

Honoring a reporter’s push for accountability while exhibiting the arrogance of political power: A tale of two cities indeed.