Explaining the ombudsman

Our next election shall occur shortly. On the ballot are two issues placed by the Whitefish Government Study Commission.

These items are the work product of several public hearings, meetings with City Council, administration and staff, a survey, individual comments and the deliberations of meetings held twice a month over this past year. Working on behalf of those who reside in Whitefish, the commission greatly appreciates all the public comments and thoughts we have received.

Whitefish has changed since the adopting our charter form of government. Due to the increased demands on government, minor parts of our charter do not reflect the way our administration needs to address current demand. The first ballot issue simply updates our Charter, addressing “housekeeping” issues, allowing the City to be current with our demand.

The second issue on the ballot, is to have an ombudsperson. This position is commonplace in other regions, found in public, business, educational and military institutions.

The state of Montana has an ombudsman. As introduction, the International Ombudsman Association states, “The primary duties of an organizational ombudsman are (1) to work with individuals and groups in an organization to explore and assist them in determining options to help resolve conflicts, problematic issues or concerns, and (2) to bring systemic concerns to the attention of the organization for resolution. An organizational ombudsman operates in a manner to preserve the confidentiality of those seeking services, maintains a neutral/impartial position with respect to the concerns raised, works at an informal level of the organizational system, and is independent of formal organizational structures. Successfully fulfilling that primary function in a manner consistent with the IOA Standards of Practice.”

It is our hope that citizens shall have an advocate who may work, on their behalf, to clarify process and deal with complaints and inquiries. An ombudsperson would be answerable to the City Council, and empowered to conduct independent findings, work to resolve issues of government, misinformation, ethics, complaint and foster public goodwill. Common, is the role of mediation and negotiation.

Over the past 20 years, Whitefish has been party to a number of lawsuits, which have cost taxpayers through legal fees and rising insurance costs. The Government Study Commission’s hope is that an ombudsperson could bring their skill set to an issue before the city finds itself involved with further litigation and associative expense.

The ballot ombudsperson issue is succinct. It would be the City Council’s role, should this ballot issue pass, to define this position and retain a person. The commission’s vision is that this position would be considered part-time, engaging a qualified individual, possibly retired, who has interest in municipal government and community. This part-time position would begin, if this issue is passed, at the start of the next fiscal year.

The ombudsperson would conduct themselves under the IOA code of ethics. The initial position and cost would be based on demand. It is right to question costs of government. This commission shares these concerns. It is not responsible to fight an issue by inflating unknown costs. Based on past experience, it is responsible to anticipate costs of litigation, and find means to avoid such.

The Government Study Commission’s goal is to provide better governance, foster goodwill and a cost-effective way to govern. It is this commission’s belief that the city of Whitefish is well served by our mayor and council, affiliated boards, administration and staff.

These ballot issues are in no way to be construed as critical. Whitefish affords a very high quality life for residents and visitors alike. As we grow, demands will continue to be placed on our government and on our means. It is responsible for us, as a community to avoid costly litigation, and promote both the public and governments interests. These issues are for your consideration, intended to promote better, more effective government.

— Ken Williams, Rebecca Norton, Turner Askew and Vanice Woodbeck serves on the Whitefish Government Review Commission