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The Ombudsman Speaks
posted (January 2, 2013)
And now Hector Hylton's family has someone they can take their grievance to.

That's because the new Ombudsman is in office.

Lionel Arzu reported to work today - and we stopped in to ask the Toledo resident why he wanted what must be the toughest job in town:

Lionel Arzu - New Ombudsman
"Lionel Arzu is from Punta Gorda, as most people might be aware. I come from humble beginnings down in the south, and when I look at the job description in short, it's to be the voice of the voiceless. And so, I believe that because that, I will be able to just do that for the people who come to the office, and request assistance from the Ombudsman."

Daniel Ortiz
"Tell us a bit about the experience you have in what is required to be the Ombudsman."

Lionel Arzu
"Way back in the 80's, I worked with the Agricultural Department, and within that job, you have to be working with farmers and fighting for the things that farmers need. And so, from that angle, I realized that if I am able to do that for those farmers in those years that I worked, I can do the same for a greater population. The contract is from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2016. Today is my first day."

Daniel Ortiz
"And how do you feel so far on the job? Is it measuring up to your expectation? What's your feeling?"

Lionel Arzu
"I am feeling optimistic. I believe that a lot has been said, and my only thing now is to prove that yes, I am worthy of the office, and I intend to just carry out my duties to best of my ability. I think that's important. People need assurance; people need to be certain that, you know what, he will get it done the best way possible, and the quickest way possible. And so, that's why I want to do. For me, I am a person who likes actions, and whatever it takes to get the process shortened, I will do that to facilitate people because I can understand when people come, and they've been there, and to other places, and nothing seems to work. And so, whatever it to get them going, the necessary contacts, the talking to people so that things gets rolling, I am willing to do that. My duty, here as the Ombudsman, is to be fair. As to the political allegations, I don't want to be back and forth with those who believe that I am a UDP, or I am a PUP. For me, it's about getting the job done, and that is all I want to do, get the job done. I've heard all the arguments about the 'P' part, but I don't intend to be playing this out in the public. I just want to do what I have to do within the scope of the law of the Ombudsman Act."

Mr. Arzu last worked as a teacher at Julian Cho Technical High School.

He holds a Master of Science Degree in International Commerce and Policy from Valparaiso University; a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with Management and Computer Science concentration from Knoxville College.

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