for me, if i were to be elected Ombudsman, i'd set up a (very limited) command staff. Ok, they won't have any official powers, but at the very least i'd press for a junior/associate Ombudsman.
There are a couple of issues surrounding it that have been raised. Drawing from the other runners within the campaign, having the runner up assigned or even picking your own.
The only way of working together would be to pick your own second but there would have to be some recommendations to ensure that it's a fairer way of looking at things.
Alternatively, we know a couple of things,
Firstly, The second/junior/associate shouldn't have an actual position, it'd be totally unofficial. After all, they were not elected to the post, they were hand picked by (more than likely) a friend. Yes, they can be available when the Ombudsman can't, but that means squat to be honest.
Is the Junior going to review the cases whilst the ombudsman is away? i'd hope not
Are they going to spend their time trawling through mountains of posts to find a precedent regarding overturning of bans because of a loophole in the rules? doubtful
Would they be there as not only a 'sounding board' for the ombudsman but a true assistant to the role? I'd hope so
Yes, a banned user would feel aggrieved that the Ombudsman is away for 2 days starting on the day of the ban, it's totally fair for them to feel that way.....yes...if the ombudsman is away for a week or two, it'd probably be best to postpone the enactment of bans (or at least the ones where warnings are being contested) or failing that make arrangements for someone to post for the Ombudsman.
(personally, i could answer emails from my phone to another player and have that posted for me, i can answer wherever i am in the world, (except when i'm asleep))
anyway, when i return i'll work on my campaign some more...
