An interesting story appeared today in the World-Herald.

Political rival may review assessor - Omaha World-Herald

George Mills, who twice has lost bids to be Douglas County assessor, soon may be helping set the county’s property valuations.

Mills, a former County Board member, is being nominated to serve as one of three “referee coordinators” who will oversee valuation protests during June and July.

As a strong critic of Morrissey, Mills would provide good oversight for the Assessor’s Office, McCallister said.

“I call that check and balance in government,” she said, adding: “If Roger has nothing to hide, there’s no problem.”

Unfortunately, Mills may try to abuse this position and get political mileage out of the process. This nomination is clearly a political move because board members are not following written procedures with this nomination. I’m worried that Mills will try and find problems where none exist. This is equivalent to having John Kerry reviewing Dubyas job performance. It just doesn’t make sense.

As referee coordinators, Mills and veteran appraisers Larry Saxton and Rick Coder each would be paid $85 an hour. If they work 40 hours a week for six weeks, each would earn more than $20,000.

In the article, Kathleen McCallister said there are no requirements to be selected for this position. If that is the case, I would like to submit my name for this temporary position. Instead of being paid $85 an hour, I will offer to do the job for only $75 an hour.

UPDATE: The Omaha World-Herald has taken a stand on this issue.