John Chaudier

Re “Removal of Behavioral Health Director Urged,” May 8.

Ventura County is known as one of the safest places in the entire nation, and yet in 1998 there were at least seven cases in which our police officers shot and killed our mentally ill.

Is this how our politicians and the past mental health administration viewed the so-called Ventura Model as a success?

This article made me comprehend everything that was happening regarding the mentally ill in Ventura County. Public officials are not the only ones who are chronically negligent. Even those who claim to be advocates, such as John Chaudier (chairman of the Ventura County Mental Health Board) can easily short sell our mentally ill. Shame on Mr. Chaudier!

Where is the Alliance for the Mentally Ill and other advocacy organizations? What are they doing to condemn the outrageous dictatorial acts of Mr. Chaudier? What’s wrong with the other members of the mental health board? How can they close their eyes and waste their valuable time on a board ruled in this manner?

Lita Biejo is absolutely right in asking Mr. Chaudier to resign. If he does not do so, the Board of Supervisors should call for an audit of the Ventura County Mental Health Board.

TESSIE BOLADO, Camarillo

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I was totally dismayed by the actions of John Chaudier, chairman of the Ventura County Mental Health Board. He not only acted irresponsibly and abused his position but he also violated the trust that the Board of Supervisors placed in him.

His failure to discuss issues such as the appointment or removal of the director of the Behavioral Health Agency and failed merger of the agency with the former Public Social Services Agency during regular public board meetings is a violation of the organization’s bylaws. This type of conduct is also a slap in the face of Ventura County residents who rely on the premise that our government is of, for and by the people.

The Board of Supervisors and advocates for the mentally ill must pull their heads out of the sand and address Chaudier’s transgressions.

I salute Supervisor John Flynn. Although he voted for the failed merger that cost taxpayers so many millions of dollars, he humbly turned around and rectified his blunder. Hats off especially to Lita Biejo, who must be the only member of the Mental Health Board with the courage to speak out against Chaudier’s abuses.

DENNIS M. ROGERS, Thousand Oaks