"We realized we were in need of professional assistance. We actively sought their help," he said.

Responding to Lewis' letter, Andrew J. Ehrlich '96-'97, former the president of PBHA and co-author of the March 3 letter, reaffirmed his earlier opinions yesterday.

Ehrlich said he did not object to Kidd overseeing issues of safety and legality at PBHA, a role outlined in last July's agreement between PBHA and the College.

But he said Kidd's management style, and not the July agreement, was the source of his concern.

"I personally am committed to the Agreement's success but have deep concerns about the current environment. My letter was about the direction in which Kidd is leading public service and the manner in which she is doing so. I still have concerns," he said.

Both Lewis and Kidd said they were surprised by the March 3 letter.

Lewis called his relationship with PBHA prior to the letter "friendly and solicitous," and called the letter a case of "inconsistent behavior."

Kidd said yesterday she is optimistic for her future with PBHA.

"I'm just going to continue to cooperate with the group and the students as much as I can," she said