Kreitzer Rejects Chairmanship Offer

Mental Health Board secretary Shlomo Kreitzer on Tuesday turned down a request by several supervisors to become the new chairman of the advisory panel.

Kreitzer said last week’s split vote to oust former chairman John Chaudier proved that supervisors were ignoring the wishes of Mental Health Board members. The majority of the board had recommended Chaudier be reappointed as chairman for a third term.

In his comments to supervisors, Kreitzer hinted he may resign from the board as a result of their action.

“With the three of you willing to disregard the wishes and recommendations of the Mental Health Board and your abruptly decapitating the Mental Health Board, I do not believe that you want to hear what we have to say,” Kreitzer said. “Thank you, but I would never consider leading a pretend advisory group. I even have to think, ‘Who would even want to be on this board?’ ‘

While board member Cathy Higgins also voiced support for Chaudier, member Lita Biejo applauded his removal.

Biejo also urged supervisors to stop pushing to make Kreitzer chairman. She said she plans to file a complaint with the county counsel against Kreitzer, whom she accuses of canceling a recent Mental Health Board meeting without giving the other members enough notice.