Reflections of a "battered" Area Board chairman (the contest of service versus politics).

Local area boards wield significant power over programs for the developmentally disabled, the mentally ill, and substance abusers. Significant shifts in the composition of these boards, from a combination of professional and lay individuals to a majority of consumer and special interest groups, is occurring. In addition, increased local political activism focusing on services for the handicapped is affecting decisions made by these boards. This article describes some of the difficulties caused by these developments and provides recommendations for training programs and policy consideration.