San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin announced Thursday he will enter "alcohol treatment."
In a statement, the District 3 supervisor thanked his friends, family, colleagues and staff for standing by his side as he confronted his personal issues.
"After serious consideration, I have decided to enter into alcohol treatment under the guidance of professionals," he said. "I stand by my long legislative and civic record but must also take full responsibility for the tenor that I have struck in my public relationships -- for that, I am truly sorry." He added.
"I take seriously my duties and responsibilities as a community member and public official and remain deeply committed to the issues and legislative agenda that I have pursued on behalf of the people of San Francisco for two decades."
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Peskin was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2000 and served for eight years, then was elected to the board again in 2015. His district includes neighborhoods like Nob Hill, North Beach, Chinatown and the Financial District.
The announcement comes two days after a heated San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting between Peskin and other board members.
Psychotherapist Peggy Wynne said it's often difficult for a public official to seek help.
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“People often feel it's a sign of weakness to say 'I need help' and 'I need someone to help me.' They can't resolve it on their own. I think that's what stops people the most. This fear of being judged,” she said.
Peskin has a history of making stinging comments about department heads.
Unhappy with the fire department's response to a fire in his district in 2018, Peskin called for the fire chief's resignation as crews battled the flames. He later apologized.
Responding to complaints about Tuesday's board meeting, San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s office issued a statement that read:
"There have been too many cases of city staff feeling disrespected, berated and harassed for too long. The mayor will not tolerate a work environment where department heads and staff don't feel like they can do their jobs and she has asked the city attorney and department of human resources for ways to handle these issues when they occur.”
Experts said that people in treatment can and do continue working.
Peskin’s staff said on Thursday that he will provide an update on the situation next week.
