Cronyism is alive and well in Augusta, as evidenced by the recent nomination and election of former Sen. Neria Douglass to the post of state auditor. I suppose that this position is a consolation prize given her failed attempt for re-election as the incumbent senator from Auburn.

What I find particularly disturbing is that Ms. Douglass does not possess the qualifications to perform the job. Given the tenuousness of Maine’s financial woes, it would seem pertinent to nominate an individual who possesses all the credentials necessary to perform the tasks from the get-go.

Shame on the Legislature for playing partisan politics. The idea that Ms. Douglass will be getting a six-month crash course in the nuances of the state auditing division seems incongruent with the professionals who can only be hired by the state if possessing the educational degrees and qualifications for the jobs for which they apply.

I am sure that the former senator is a quick study, but I am also certain that her law degree and subsequent admission to the bar did not come from watching six months of Perry Mason reruns.

It is time for Sen. Douglass to stick to what she knows and leave the auditing to those who are currently qualified to do the job.

If she truly has the best interest of the state first and foremost, she should take heed.

Paul F. Landry, Wales

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