ELECTED OFFICIALS VOLUNTARILY DRUG TESTED

At least two elected officials in San Bernardino County have
voluntarily undergone drug testing after the revelation that Assessor
Bill Postmus is addicted to methamphetamine.

Supervisor Josie Gonzales and Treasurer-Tax Collector/Public
Administrator Dick Larsen announced Monday that they were recently
drug tested. Larsen passed the test while Gonzales has yet to get her results.

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul
Biane plan to get tested this morning.

Supervisor-elect Neil Derry and Supervisor Gary Ovitt have said they
are willing to be drug tested.

Mitzelfelt supports the idea of drug testing for elected officials,
but is troubled by issues of constitutionality and enforceability.
One issue of concern is the county has no recourse available to
remove an elected official if the official fails a drug test, he said.

"That doesn't mean we shouldn't be trying to find a way to test
employees and managers," Mitzelfelt said.

Biane said other measures, such as reform through the county's
proposed charter amendment and a proposed ethics commission, are more
effective than drug testing.

"Voluntary drug testing is just a gimmick," Biane said. "It doesn't
address the problem."

Gonzales said she was drug tested to redirect attention to the issues
affecting county residents. She said she also wants to keep the public's trust.

"I did it because I want the people who believe in me, who voted for
me ... to know that I take this seriously, that I am honored to do
this job," she said.

Larsen recently went to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for his drug test.

"It's painless, takes about five minutes, and the results are quick,"
Larsen said in a statement.

Postmus has declined to comment on his drug addiction. The
supervisors had requested Postmus come before them and answer
questions this morning, but he is not expected to show.