SLO County Supervisor Adam Hill resigns as board chairman
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill announced his resignation as board chairman Saturday to focus on his health as he recovers from a suicide attempt in March. He will remain on the board.
Hill was narrowly reelected to the board of supervisors to serve a fourth term for District 3 in March. He has not attended board meetings since March 11, when he attempted to end his life after an FBI investigation that involved searching his office and possibly his home.
The FBI has not released any information about the search. Hill said he is cooperating fully, but he has not provided details on the investigation.
Hill broke a monthlong silence in early April and confirmed that he had attempted to end his life. He also said he wants to return to “the job I love.”
On Saturday, Hill followed his previous announcement with news that he would not continue as board chairman.
In his letter the county, Hill said he would attend the April 21 board meeting virtually — the first meeting he will have attended in more than a month.
The letter to County Administrative Officer Wade Horton and County Counsel Rita Neal also stated that he felt it would be best if District 4 Supervisor Lynn Compton took over as chair.
“Because I must dedicate time to continue my recovery, I think it is best to turn over the chair to Supervisor Compton, who will do a fine job,” Hill’s letter reads.
Compton has been serving as interim chair in his absence and will take over the position.
“According to the Board Rules, Lynn Compton will assume chairmanship with rotation remaining in place as set out in the rules,” Horton wrote in a statement to The Tribune.
Moving forward, Hill will use teleconferencing to fulfill his duties as supervisor because of coronavirus, he wrote. Hill said he has Crohn’s disease, which is an autoimmune illness, and he has been advised to limit exposure to others.
He said he has been in communication with his legislative assistant, Nicole Nix, and said he knows she has done a “superb job with our constituents and other matters.”
Although Hill has resigned as chair, he said he is glad to continue to represent District 3.
“I look forward to resuming my responsibilities representing the Third District. It is truly an honor to serve in this capacity and it is the job I love. I look forward to concentrating my efforts on our economic recovery, social services, and mental health issues. This has been a tough time for so many,” the letter read, addressing the ongoing pandemic.
“Thank you for your understanding as I concentrate my energies on my health, my constituents and these important issues,” the letter concluded.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential assistance to anyone in crisis and their loved ones through a live chat and free 24-hour hotline: 800-273-8255.
This story was originally published April 12, 2020 at 11:56 AM.
