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San Mateo supervisors direct staff to prepare appointment process to fill sheriff vacancy
Summary
After hours of public comment, the Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on Oct. 28 to direct staff to run a public, expedited appointment process to fill the county sheriff vacancy rather than immediately calling a special election; staff said it will advertise and accept applications, hold public forums, and return finalists to the board.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on Oct. 28 to direct staff to prepare a public appointment process to fill the vacancy in the office of sheriff.
Supervisor Mueller, who moved the direction, said the county needs stability for the sheriff's office. "I've reached the conclusion it's in the best interest of San Mateo to appoint a sheriff, for the remainder of the sheriff's term," he said. County staff outlined a compressed schedule that would advertise the role immediately, accept electronic applications with resumes and written responses, and aim to bring finalists back to the board in short order.
County Counsel Niblin told the board the superior court denied the former sheriff's recent petition to enjoin the board, "clearing the way for the board to take action to fill the vacancy." Counsel also noted that any appointee must meet statutory qualifications in the Government Code (POST certification or equivalent experience) and must be a San Mateo County resident.
The motion did not appoint a person; it directed staff to work with county executive and legal staff to design a transparent process that could include background checks, public candidate forums, and a consultant to assist recruitment. Supervisor Gauthier, who seconded the motion, urged town-hall-style meet-and-greets so residents could see candidates before the board made a final selection.
Opponents warned that an appointment would deny voters a direct choice. President Canapa argued the decision would prevent immediate voter selection: "We're not giving the voters of San Mateo County the ability to choose their sheriff," he said. The board approved the motion by roll call: three supervisors voted yes and two voted no; the clerk announced the motion carried 3–2.
Staff said they would post an application webpage, translate materials, and advertise in law-enforcement and public-facing outlets; they proposed an application-closing target of "no later than Wednesday the 5th" and said the board could complete selection prior to Nov. 13 if the board so directed. The board emphasized that any subsequent final appointment or an order calling a special election would require a separate future vote.
The board adjourned at about 8:31 p.m.
