San Bernardino County assessor admits abusing drugs
Bill Postmus, 37, apologizes to supervisors and says his drug use did not interfere with his service as a public official. He vows not to seek reelection when his term expires in 2011.
After months of silence in the face of persistent reports of drug addiction and official misconduct, San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus this week admitted abusing drugs and making other "errors" while in office. He also vowed not to seek reelection when his term ends in 2011.
"I will acknowledge that I conducted a previous battle with substance abuse, an illness that has ensnared millions of Americans," an emotional Postmus said during an unscheduled appearance before the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. "I am proud to say that my successful struggle did not interfere with my service as a public official."
Postmus, 37, apologized for the cloud of suspicion over the assessor's office since April. The office has been raided by authorities, the assistant assessor arrested and a grand jury report made sweeping charges of mismanagement and possible wrongdoing. Supervisors demanded that Postmus answer the allegations, but he refused. Then, at the height of the controversy, he took a nearly three-month leave of absence, never explaining why.
"I can only humbly apologize for the events to date and the errors I have made, especially those that have introduced doubt or worry into the minds of those who elected me to serve regarding the operations and competency of the office of the county assessor," Postmus told the panel.
He left before anyone could ask questions and declined to comment. He did not reveal the drugs he abused.
"He has beaten his addiction, and he will not discuss any particular substance he may have used," said Ted Lehrer, spokesman for Postmus. "Right now he is looking forward to faithfully fulfilling his duties throughout the next 24 months of his term."
But whether he stays on the job may depend on how county officials respond.
San Bernardino is the only county in the state that allows supervisors to remove an elected official from office, said Ruth Stringer, the county counsel.
"This is a very unique and a very difficult process," she said. "It's never been done before."
At the end of this month, the board will decide whether to hire a special prosecutor to investigate Postmus, an effort estimated to cost up to $1 million and one that may not end until his term expires. The decision will come as the county struggles with serious budget shortfalls due to declining property taxes.
