Eye on Lorell: Interview with the New Ombudsman
Category: HNN Broadcasted on 19. August 2007 - 23:53:46hrs Author HNN News Reporter Comments: 0
As the commercial fades, the familiar HNN appears in its place. The HNN’s Eye on Lorell broadcast returns as the narrator chimes in to begin.”
Narrator: “We now return you to the Eye on Lorell, with your host, Anacia Chalcedon.”
The camera switches to a shot of the lovely host, Anacia Chalcedon. She is dressed in a white, business suit, and with her golden blonde hair tied up in the back, she is looking very sophisticated tonight. She smiles at her welcoming audience before beginning her monologue.
AC: “Good evening. Many political analysts have weighed in their opinions regarding the recently concluded Ombudsman election. Some predicted that the campaigns and the conclusion of the election would expose the current Hapan political landscape as volatile and unstable, and would emphasize the chasm between the political elite and common Hapan. The position of the Ombudsman was established in hopes of bridging that chasm, but the seat itself has recently come under deep scrutiny. In hopes of shedding some light on the sole elected political office in the Consortium, it is my pleasure to welcome the newly elected Ombudsman, Venik Olok.”
"Good evening, Mr. Olok. I wish to begin by congratulating you on your victory in a very hard-fought Ombudsman election."
VO: "Thank you, it was a close race, as I was going up against some long-time Hapan favorites. I'm excited to be able to serve the Consortium in this capacity."
AC: "What led you to seek this highly sought after political office, knowing that you would be challenged by veterans of the election process?"
VO: "Well, I've received requests to help out with various projects in the RHN, and it gave me the opportunity to provide a variety of services to Hapes as well as meeting new people. I enjoyed the work I was doing, and I thought 'Hey, I can help out more people as Ombudsman.' I also viewed it as a good opportunity to get to know people from the different areas of Hapes, and not just in the Navy. I know this is a big issue that a lot of Hapans share, so I'm hoping I can be a part of the bridge between the various Hapan organizations. As for the veteran competitors, I wasn't sure who would all run for this election, but I figured I would rely on a solid campaign to gain the edge."
AC: "What do you think gave your campaign that edge?"
VO: "Well, I think I share a lot of the same concerns that others have in Hapes. I've talked to a lot of my associates, and the most common issues that pop up are communication between the various groups in Hapes, as well as getting newer members more involved. I think having important and meaningful issues be my focus really helped. My opponents didn't have strong campaigns, so I think that also gave me an edge"
AC: "What do you think are some of the more controversial issues within the Hapan community today that would require your attention?"
VO: "Many feel that the ombudsman position itself is a controversial issue. The election was delayed prior to the elections due to concerns over the position. I hear alot of complaints that the Ombudsman doesn't have much to do, and people question its utility within Hapes. I think by making it a more public position, and involving myself in a variety of services will help alleviate those concerns. Additionally, communication with the Royal Council has been a big concern; I hope to be able to bridge that gap and help make the Council a little more accessible to the public, either directly or through the Ombudsman position."
AC: "Along those lines, what are some of these services we can look forward to during your tenure?"
VO: "I'm currently working with the Royal Council to come up with a monthly survey that will help us monitor the public's satisfaction with Hapes, the Royal Council, and His Majesty the King. I'm also talking to newer members and trying to collect some information about how Hapes is viewed from the outside, how we can improve recruitment, and how we can better retain personnel. I'm currently working with the Naval Academy to develop training materials, and I'm going to be using this information I collect to help improve the training programs. I'm also hoping to get the Council to offer more formal meetings (in IRC) to help address the public's concerns. Finally, I have been asked by the Council to hold Ombudsman meetings (in IRC) where I can also address some of these concerns."
AC: "It appears to me you have yourself a very detailed blueprint for success in this challenging position. I do have one last question for you Mr. Olok. Seeing as this was one of the closest Ombudsman elections we've ever had in its history, what are some things you believe will be needed for you to gain the trust of the other two-thirds of the public that did not vote for you?"
VO: "The thing that disgusts me the most in politics is empty promises. I think that in order to earn the support of Hapes, I need to follow through on my promises and plans. I'm going to do my best to follow through on my campaign, as well as to remain visible and accessible to all members of Hapes. I encourage anyone who has problems, critiques, or suggestions to come talk to me and help me improve the Ombudsman position. I want to help Hapes progress the way the public wants it to, and to make it a better place to be. I think as we begin to roll out some of these meetings and surveys, I can help the Council direct Hapes in the direction members want it to go."
AC: "Mr. Olok, I wish to thank you for sitting down with me for this interview. I am sure the Hapan people will be pleased to hear what their new Ombudsman has to say and what his plans are. I wish you the best of luck in your new position."
VO: "Thank you for this honor."
AC: "We will be back after these brief messages."
Comments (0)