We also know that documents show that people in the health department were concerned enough to query the county human services director about the unusual arrangement of having an employee on staff no one knew and no one ever saw.

They wanted to find out what was going on . . . and maybe if, you know, there might be more such openings available.

Given that history, it doesn't appear all that surprising that the district attorney would also want to know what was going on. If his motivation is purely political, that should soon become obvious. And if Workman abused her power, that should become just as obvious.

But one fact is irrefutable: There would be no investigation if the mayor didn't do what she did.

And no story.

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Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.