BackIowa's Office of Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman received over 4700 contacts for assistance in 2010, according to a report released 1 June 2011 by State Ombudsman Ruth Cooperrider. Over 80 percent were complaints or information requests about state and local government agencies.
The report highlights some of the cases closed by the agency last year, including those involving open records and meetings, corrections, and local government.
The report also features: A list of the "Top Ten" government websites for Iowans, a list of toll-free phone numbers for Iowa government agencies and commonly-requested private agencies, an article with advice for resolving your own complaints, a map showing how the contacts received were distributed among Iowa's 99 counties, a table showing how the contacts were distributed among state and local government agencies in Iowa. and Government employees recognized as "Extra Milers" for delivering top quality service.
The Ombudsman's Office attempts to help people effectively raise their concerns to government agencies, and can look into complaints about most state and local government agencies in Iowa. The office does not have authority to investigate the Governor, the state legislators, or judges.
