Phil LeVota was sworn in this week as Jackson County executive after a nomination process that was criticized by some as “smoke and mirrors.” Taking over the rest of Frank White Jr.'s term, he will face the daunting task of fixing the property tax assessment process.

For months, Jackson County officials dodged questions about who would replace Frank White Jr. as county executive if he was recalled.

Now, voters have their answer.

Phil LeVota was sworn in as interim county executive later yesterday, three days after he was appointed by the county Legislature to the position on Oct. 13.

He was appointed to the position immediately after the Legislature concluded the last of its nine candidate interviews for the job.

LeVota, an attorney and former Democratic Party official, once worked in

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