Ombudsman post was on 1969 ballot

I was delighted to read in your editorial on Sunday that you are promoting the addition of an ombudsman to our county government. But, I was disappointed to note that you did not mention that in 1969, due to the efforts of a Board of Freeholders elected in 1967, county residents had the opportunity to vote yes to a proposed charter that included an ombudsman. Has it been that history from that long ago is erased from Herald memories?

Unfortunately, the 1969 proposal was defeated. But I think it’s important to reflect that after at least a year and a half of research and deliberation that 15-member Board of Freeholders considered an ombudsman to be an important addition to our Snohomish County government. So, Snohomish County had the opportunity 44 years ago to give citizens a better chance to have their concerns checked into. Let’s hope we don’t pass up the opportunity again.

Norma Bruns

Chair of the 1967-69 Board of Freeholders

Edmonds