The Metropolitan King County Council today hired a published expert on property rights and land use issues as the first-ever Rural Ombudsman for King County.

David Spohr is the new Rural Ombudsman for King County.

“Numerous rural residents have made it crystal-clear they believe they have no voice on issues that impact their property and their lives,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “The rural ombudsman will serve as their advocate and ensure that their concerns are investigated in a fair and objective manner.”

Interviewed by the full Council, Spohr said, “Land use disputes will always be contentious, but if you have the right person who is qualified, credible, and knowledgeable, we can make the process less abrasive and more productive.”

In March 2005, Dunn and Ferguson proposed legislation to create the position of the Rural Ombudsman, and the Council approved funding for the position in the 2006 county budget.

The duties of the Rural Ombudsman will emphasize issues affecting citizens and property owners in the rural unincorporated areas of the county. He will investigate citizen complaints about the operation of county government, including alleged ethics code violations and reports of improper governmental action and retaliation. The Rural Ombudsman may make formal recommendations, via the County Ombudsman, for procedural or legislative changes.

“Rural residents are a vital component of King County’s population, yet the council reduction left the rural area with fewer representatives on their county council,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “Having a Rural Ombudsman demonstrates the Council’s commitment to fair and consistent service to rural residents by providing them with a voice and a forum to air their concerns.”

“Mr. Spohr’s appointment is the culmination of an intensive interview process that looked at the education, experience and skills of the candidates that applied for the position,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, Chair of the Council’s Employment Committee. “We wanted to ensure that the most qualified candidate was hired to help property owners understand their rights as well as the law."

“Mr. Spohr is an outstanding candidate, with a background that is well-versed in the single biggest point of contention between rural residents and county government,” said Employment Committee Vice-Chair Larry Gossett. “Rural communities now have an advocate who can ‘speak their language’ when it comes to the issue of property rights.”

“Many of my rural constituents feel left out of land-use policy decisions,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents District 3 in northeast King County. “I welcome the appointment of a liaison to make sure rural interests are understood and heard. We received applications from many highly qualified candidates, who went through a rigorous review process. It is most fitting that this is a non-partisan appointment based strictly on professional merit and not on politics.”

“Mr. Spohr’s credentials make him a very solid hire,” said Dunn. “My office and my constituents have a vested interest in the success of this hire and I look forward to actively working with Mr. Spohr. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

“This hire boils down to the need to build trust and ensure a sense or fairness for all County citizens,” said Ferguson. “Too many rural residents have lost their trust of County Government and feel that the County does not pay close enough attention to their needs. Mr. Spohr is committed to helping restore trust in a fair and equitable manner. I expect him to be an invaluable resource to both rural King County and the County Council.”