Split Board of Supervisors decides to appoint sheriff

"A divided San Mateo County Board of Supervisors yesterday decided yesterday (Oct. 28) that it will appoint a new sheriff instead of holding a special election. Supervisors Noelia Corzo, Lisa Gauthier and Ray Mueller voted to appoint a sheriff for the remainder of former sheriff Christina Corpus' term, while Supervisors David Canepa and Jackie Speier wanted a special election. The decision came after the majority of speakers during public comment asked for an appointment instead of an election."

"That included a request from the head of the county's powerful Labor Council, Julie Lind, who spoke on behalf of the unions in the sheriff's office. The union believes that removing the remnants of Corpus' command staff will allow the sheriff's office to rebuild, Lind said. Assistant Sheriff Sergio Enriquez resigned yesterday after giving his two-week notice on Oct. 14, the day Corpus was fired."

"Supervisors were concerned about the short amount of time they have to make an appointment. Canepa said the two-week runway before the county runs out of time on Nov. 13 to pick a new sheriff is unprecedented. The county's charter gives a 30-day window for the board to appoint a new sheriff or to set a special election. Speier said there's little time to appoint someone one"

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to appoint a new sheriff rather than hold a special election to fill Christina Corpus' remaining term. The majority of public commenters favored an appointment, including Julie Lind of the county Labor Council speaking for sheriff's office unions. The unions want to remove remnants of Corpus' command staff and seek a role in reviewing and selecting a strong, transparent appointee. Assistant Sheriff Sergio Enriquez resigned after giving two-week notice on Oct. 14, leaving Undersheriff Dan Perea as the department's only senior leader. Supervisors expressed concern about the short timeframe before a November 13 deadline under the county charter. Some supervisors preferred a special election and proposed a town hall so residents could meet candidates, while others urged the board to take the lead.

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