The PNJ story on county reorganization missed a key point. The restructuring creates an “Ombudsman” position. The Ombudsman will hear taxpayers’ complaints or suggestions about county service and be tasked with helping the county improve or solve the problem, if possible.
Ideally you wouldn’t need this position, if the county departments worked properly. However it is needed. In the past too many complaints got bogged down in the commissioners’ offices or at the county administration level.
I do believe the Ombudsman should issue regular reports on the complaints and issues that he/she is handling. This position should not become another political football or the office of special favors.