OFF THE CUFF: Vetting the ombudsman

MOVIN The civic organization whose voice is increasingly listened to by  government circles,  has prepared a list of questions for the 26 candidates who are vying to be the next ombudsman to replace Lilia Herrera.

It’s a welcome move as the position has been held in the past by some who should never have been allowed near the door, including a wife beater and one who lavished government funds on a high end luxury suv  and office furniture,  and handed out contracts to family members.

Movin said it prepared the questions “with the objective of collaborating with the National Assembly to elect someone who will have the best attitude, skills and experience to lead this important institution.”

There are 11 questions for the applicants. They include listing their experience in human rights and grassroots community organization. It also asked questions regarding the experience of the candidates and their view of the role of the ombudsman.

Sounds like standard application procedure 101, until you remember how previous appointments were made.