Councilman on the job hunt

Rex Gutierrez will be soon out of a job as reported by my colleague Lauren McSherry. The councilman has been the embattled assessor's intergovernmental relations officer for the past year and a half. Gutierrez's post, in addition to other executive positions in Bill Postmus' office, was cut following a grand jury report that accuses the assessor of hiring employees who weren't qualified.

"My role is diminished because my mentor is not here," Gutierrez said. "I feel somewhat relieved. I didn't realize I was coming to a hornet's nest."

Postmus, who has been accused of methamphetamine addiction, is currently on medical leave.

Gutierrez said he's eyeing several open positions in the county and wants to remain in the field of economic development. His last day with the assessor's office is Sept. 26.

"I have about a month left until doomsday," he said.