CITY TO HOST MEETING ON THE ROLE OF
THE NEWLY HIRED CITIZEN ADVOCATE

Frederick, Md. --- Please be advised that The City of Frederick will be hosting a Public Meeting concerning the role of the Citizen Advocate, a new position in the City. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 23, 10 a.m., at the William R. Talley Recreation Center. Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty and the Board of Aldermen have been invited to discuss the role of the Citizen Advocate with the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), the Maryland Association of Community Mediation Centers, and CALM.

Topics to be discussed include: the role of the Citizen Advocate, confidentiality, neutrality, and autonomy.

The following are a list of frequently asked questions relating to the City’s Citizen Advocate:

What is a "Citizen Advocate"?
The Citizen Advocate is an ombudsman, a word of Swedish origin is defined by Webster as one who "investigates reported complaints, reports findings, and helps to achieve equitable settlements."

What does the Citizen Advocate do?
The Citizen Advocate provides assistance to residents and businesses within the City who have city government-related complaints but who are not in active litigation against the City. The Citizen Advocate is a professional, trained mediator who is authorized to investigate grievances involving both residential and business concerns and recommend corrective measures. Examples of types of cases the Citizen Advocate handles include complaints about parking, water, trash, housing, and other city services. The Citizen Advocate may decline any case considered inappropriate. All assistance provided by the office is confidential and is available by phone or in person.
How can the Citizen Advocate help?
The power of the Citizen Advocate lies strictly in the ability to persuade and is therefore somewhat limited. However, the City and its administration fully support the idea of alternative dispute resolution demonstrated by the creation of this position. The Citizen Advocate will develop the best course of action to resolve the issue, suggest policy changes, talk to City staff/officials on behalf of complainant, provide referral to an outside agency, or simply gather information to relay to complainant. Concerns brought to the office are kept confidential; the Citizen Advocate refrains from disclosing the details of an individual’s concern without permission.

When should I contact the Citizen Advocate?
The following are reasons why you might contact the Citizen Advocate:
• Neutral advice
• Impartial investigation of concerns
• Information concerning appeal processes
• Problem solving
• Logging complaints
• Recommendations for addressing concerns
• Referrals to individuals more able to address a particular concern
• Facilitated communication
• Recommendations concerning changes in the City’s policies or procedures.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting on Tuesday, November 23, and provide input. For additional information please contact Yolanda Woods, Citizen Advocate, at 301-360-3877.