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Whatcom County charter amendment to create an ombuds office fails after public debate and close roll call
Summary
After hours of public comment and commissioner debate, a motion to place proposed Amendment 14 (establishing a Whatcom County Office of the Ombuds) on the ballot failed on a roll-call vote; supporters argued it would increase transparency and reduce costly litigation, opponents cited cost and the risk of expanding government.
Whatcom County Charter Review Commission commissioners voted against sending proposed Amendment 14, which would create a county Office of the Ombuds, to voters following extended public comment and commissioner debate.
Supporters said the independent office would provide residents and county employees with a neutral place to raise complaints, help identify systemic problems and reduce expensive litigation. Opponents questioned the cost and whether existing county systems could be reallocated to provide the same service.
Proponents at the meeting urged the commission to give voters the choice. “An office of the ombuds would improve civic engagement and…
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