San Bernardino County assessor admits abusing drugs

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.

According to the county code, a prosecutor would have to prove Postmus either flagrantly neglected his duties, misappropriated public property, violated any law in performing his official duties or willfully falsified an official document or statement.

“To remove an elected official from office is a very serious thing, but if these allegations are true he surely should not be in this position,” said Jessica Levinson, director of political reform at the Center for Governmental Studies, a nonpartisan think tank in Los Angeles.

“Just saying you are not going to run again doesn’t mean there aren’t any repercussions. If the county pursues this it shows that even in these financially difficult times it is taking this behavior seriously and holding people accountable.”

So far officials aren’t saying much for fear of not appearing impartial.

“I am pleased the assessor finally made a statement to the public which was long overdue,” said newly elected Supervisor Neil Derry. “My constituents are very displeased with the status of the situation.”

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt echoed that sentiment, saying it was past time for Postmus to “level” with the public about his drug problems.

“The board’s legal counsel . . . is continuing to proceed with developing options . . . regarding the potential removal of Mr. Postmus from office,” he said. “I do not yet know if or how today’s statement by the assessor might influence that process going forward.”

In November, Postmus was censured by the board for failing to answer questions about drug abuse and other alleged misconduct. He was scheduled to appear before the panel Aug. 19 but took a leave of absence July 23 for an undisclosed medical condition.

The supervisors were furious.

“This board cannot and will not sit idly by while you continue to arrogantly evade the clear duty you have to the public and Board of Supervisors to candidly and publicly address the very disturbing questions surrounding you,” the board wrote in a letter to Postmus. “These questions cut to the heart of your fitness and ability to serve as an elected official and manage a county department.”

Postmus, who is single and lives in Rancho Cucamonga, has denied any wrongdoing and said he couldn’t speak to the board because of an ongoing investigation by the district attorney’s office.

Prior to his avalanche of legal problems, Postmus had had what seemed like a promising political career. At 29, he was one of the youngest people ever elected as a supervisor in San Bernardino County, eventually becoming chairman. He also headed the county Republican Party.

But questions began to dog him.

In April, agents from the district attorney’s office raided Postmus’ office, seizing laptop computers and files. They later charged Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman with six felony counts, including falsifying documents and destroying public records.

A month later, a grand jury report took the assessor to task for hiring inexperienced employees, using staff to do political work during office hours and for misuse of a tuition reimbursement plan.

In his statement to supervisors Tuesday, Postmus said he agreed with the grand jury’s recommendations and has taken steps to implement them.

He vowed to cooperate with supervisors throughout his term and in a quavering voice concluded with, “May God bless San Bernardino County.”

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david.kelly@latimes.com

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Target of investigation

A tough year for San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus:

April: Prosecutors raid assessor’s office.

June: Assistant assessor arrested, charged with falsifying documents and destroying public records.

July: Postmus takes nearly 12 weeks leave for unspecified medical problem.

January: Postmus admits past substance abuse problem.