by Paul Jenkins, Anchorage Daily News

Here’s something odd: Gov. Sean Parnell’s administration is chomping at the bit to hire a $2 million consultant quickly — very, very quickly — to take a peek at any proposals from the oil industry or lawmakers to change Alaska’s oil and gas taxes to promote construction of a gas pipeline. Did I mention the state guys want the consultant very quickly?

The state’s Request for Proposal by the Department of Revenue was issued June 17 to fill an expiring contract. Bids are due back by 1:30 p.m. June 30. That is a very short turnaround. The next day, July 1, the contract will be awarded and the new consultant immediately will attend his or her first meeting and begin collecting a wad of dough. The only thing shorter than that time frame is Sarah Palin’s temper. Bidders who lose, if there are any, will have about 32 minutes to appeal.

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