Beleaguered elected official admits to drug addiction

It was an emotional day at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors' meeting, where the county's beleaguered assessor told a hushed audience of his drug problems. He's been criticized by the board, and his office is under investigation by prosecutors. From the Press-Enterprise:

His voice cracking with emotion, San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus unexpectedly appeared before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday and admitted to a struggle with drug addiction and to mistakes in office. Postmus told the hushed supervisors room that he would not seek re-election, potentially signaling the end of what was once the most promising political career in San Bernardino County. A spokesman for the assessor later confirmed that Postmus would not seek any elected office after his term ends in 2010. "I can only humbly apologize for events to date and for the errors I have made, especially those that have introduced doubt or worry into the minds of those who elected me," he read from a prepared statement.