A campaign sign for a candidate for Collin County tax assessor-collector caught my eye recently … for a reason I am still trying to understand.

Cam McCall is running for the office proclaiming himself to be a “conservative Republican.” The label prompted this thought: Is there a need to make such a declaration when you’re running for what should be a non-political office?

Is there a difference in the way a progressive Democrat would collect taxes as opposed to a conservative Republican? I cannot define the difference. Which makes me ask: Why even run on a partisan ballot for an office that requires the assessor-collector simply to follow the law?

There shouldn’t be a partisan tilt to the way the taxman does his job. Isn’t that right? Or, for that matter, same for county treasurer, or county clerk, or district clerk.

How does a Republican sheriff do his or her job compared to a Democratic sheriff? Last time I checked they are charged with the same duties regardless of party.