San Mateo County Board Selects Three Finalists for Sheriff Role

Following an extensive selection process, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has narrowed the candidates for the county’s sheriff position to three finalists. This decision comes after the recent ousting of former Sheriff Christina Corpus, whose term ended amid significant controversy. The finalists—Brian Wynn Huynh Travis, Kenneth Binder, and David Lazar—will be considered for an appointment to fill the vacancy left by Corpus, with the new sheriff set to serve a term that expires in 2028.

The board’s decision to appoint rather than conduct a costly special election was influenced by the financial implications, as the move is projected to save the county approximately $3.2 million. During a recent special meeting, the supervisors interviewed six potential candidates, each subjected to a rigorous 30-minute questioning session focused on their qualifications. The board specifically examined each candidate’s experience in jail management, budget oversight, and their strategies for restoring stability and healing within the Sheriff’s Office.

Finalists Bring Diverse Law Enforcement Backgrounds

The three finalists present a wealth of law enforcement experience. Brian Wynn Huynh Travis currently serves as the police chief for the Solano Community College District. His background includes a military career as a retired Army major, and he emphasizes modern approaches to policing, as noted in his interview with NBC Bay Area.

Kenneth Binder brings 27 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as undersheriff and police chief in various cities that contract with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. His long tenure demonstrates familiarity with the complexities of law enforcement in the region.

David Lazar completes the trio, having spent 33 years with the San Francisco Police Department. He advanced to the position of assistant chief, where he gained significant leadership experience, positioning him as a strong candidate for the sheriff role.

Upcoming Public Engagement Opportunities

The next steps in the appointment process will include public engagement to foster community involvement. An open candidate forum is scheduled for November 10, 2023, allowing the public to ask questions of the finalists. This interactive event aims to provide transparency and insight into the candidates’ visions for the Sheriff’s Office.

Following the forum, the board plans to conduct final interviews on November 12, 2023, where they will deliberate publicly before announcing their decision. The outcome of this appointment process is critical for the future of the Sheriff’s Office, especially in light of the challenges following Corpus’ departure.

As the community awaits the board’s final decision, the selected candidate will face the important task of navigating the Sheriff’s Office through a period of recovery and rebuilding trust within the community.