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Editor: 

Any plan for Mayor Willie Brown to be an ombudsman would be a big mistake because the first person in that roll sets the general conditions for the whole use of such an office. 

Here in Berkeley a law student was the first ombudsman and garnered the opposition of the League of Women Voters. After he left the phone rang off the wall by frustrated citizens seeking assistance. 

In Australia, the proposal for such an office was widely opposed by newspapers and government employees. Sir Guy Powles, a retired diplomat was the first appointee. Within weeks the word was “why didn't we do this long ago.” Sir Powles helped spread the concept in Canada so that every province has such an office. 

Here in California, Jesse Unruh supported having an ombudsman. By Federal fiat each state has a nursing home ombudsman. 

San Francisco should wait for a more suitable candidate for such an important position. 

Charlie Smith 

Berkeley