Contributed by Marlene Windel, Wasilla, AK
What is an ombudsman? An ombudsman is an official charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or a violation of rights. The typical duties of an ombudsman are to investigate citizen complaints and attempt to resolve them. This is usually accomplished through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation. Ombudsmen sometimes also aim to identify systematic issues leading to poor service or breaches of people's rights. Simply stated, an ombudsman researches citizens’ complaints about the functions of government.
Several concerned MSB citizens are in the process of creating an independent ombudsman to address Mat-Su Borough citizen complaints. The Committee for Mat-Su Borough Accountability (CMSBA) is working to place an initiative for this ombudsman position on the 2019 ballot.
Why should a citizen be concerned and support this initiative? Why do residents need an ombudsman? One reason of importance is the Mat-Su Borough government’s lack of providing formal responses to questions and concerns with our citizenry. Citizens have had discussions, written letters to their Assembly members and the Mat Su Borough’s administration where verbal agreements have been reached and promises for written agreements are made by the administration. The administration then takes no action and fails to deliver or respond to written requests. This would be a situation where the citizen would call the ombudsman.
A second example is, you feel your tax assessment is too high. You have an appraisal that says it’s $10,000 too high, or you ask a realtor to give you a comparable market analysis that says the Mat-Su Borough’s assessment is $25,000 too high. The CMSBA is aware of numerous reports of the Mat-Su Borough ignoring and denying citizen’s appeals to lower the assessment. An ombudsman would look into this situation.
Nobody wants to go to court, but many Mat-Su Borough residents find themselves forced into that position as a last resort. An ombudsman can serve to save the resident time, money and stress by researching, finding and recommending actions to resolve these conflicts. Most importantly, the ombudsman can make those problems and solutions public.
If you are interested in supporting the CMSBA or want further information, please contact Beth Fread at beth@bethsvalleyviews.com or 907-354-7759.