Transparency serves us all

Tension and conflict are normal elements in life, from where to live to how to handle concerns in our city. Spokane voters decided by a wide margin for creation of the Office of Police Ombudsman in 2008. The office was established to provide independent civilian oversight for Spokane Police Department conduct-related matters. The police ombudsman’s duty is to ensure that investigations are timely, thorough and objective. Four commissioners serve as oversight to the staff of the ombudsman’s office.

As a citizen, I follow and engage in the process over the years. Another crossroads faces all of us. Mr. Bart Logue’s contract was renewed and accepted at the last meeting. He and his staff were recognized for their accessibility, challenging work, and willingness to work with SPD and the community. Now the Police Guild – in particular, Chief Meidl (S-R, Aug. 25) – disputes the ethics of Mr. Logue and the commission.

Assuming good intentions on both sides, transparency and integrity are key to solutions. Mr. Logue and his team use transparency as their guide. Filing a public records request is a declaration of transparency. Spokane citizens are best served and protected in transparency by all of us in all our actions.

Elaine Tyrie

Spokane