Embattled assessor takes leave of absence

05:03 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 23, 2008

San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus took a leave of absence this afternoon to deal with undisclosed health problems. He tapped Harlow Cameron, a 35-year veteran of the office, as acting assessor.

In a statement announcing the decision, Postmus' office said details of his health would remain confidential. The absence will last 10 weeks.

"Harlow Cameron is an invaluable and longtime member of this department," Postmus said in the statement. "Under Harlow Cameron's stewardship, I know the office will be in outstanding hands while I am away from the office."

Postmus' decision to take a leave and deal with his health problems comes as his office remains under a cloud of scrutiny.
A former top aide faces six felony charges, the office was the subject of a critical grand jury report released last month, and a district attorney's investigation remains ongoing.

Most recently, the Board of Supervisors has discussed what options it has under the county's charter to remove another elected official from office, and it has asked Postmus to come before the board Aug. 19 to explain the recent troubles in his office. It's unclear whether the board still will want him to appear.