San Mateo County Board Selects Finalists for Sheriff Position

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has shortlisted three candidates to fill the vacant sheriff position, following a rigorous selection process that narrowed down twelve applicants. This vacancy arose after the board’s historic decision to remove former Sheriff Christina Corpus, who faced allegations of conflict of interest and retaliation against deputies—claims she has denied.

The three finalists now under consideration are David Lazar, a retired assistant chief of the San Francisco Police Department; Kenneth Binder, the interim police chief in Gilroy and former undersheriff of Santa Clara County; and Brian Wynn Huynh Travis, the chief of police and director of public safety for the Solano Community College District.

The new sheriff will lead a department comprising approximately 800 employees and managing an operating budget of around $300 million.

Candidates Bring Diverse Law Enforcement Experience

Each candidate presents a unique background and approach to law enforcement, reflecting their varied experiences in city, county, and campus policing. Traditionally, sheriffs campaign for election, raising significant funds; however, recent changes in legislation allow the board to appoint a replacement, making this a pivotal moment for county leadership.

On November 10, 2023, the three finalists will participate in a public question-and-answer session at 18:00. As of the latest update, over 200 questions have already been submitted by the community, with a deadline for submissions set for noon on that same day. The board is expected to conduct final interviews and announce its selection on November 12, 2023, at 09:00.

David Lazar received unanimous support from all five supervisors during the selection process. A fourth-generation San Franciscan, Lazar retired this year after a long career in law enforcement, which began when he was inspired by his mother, a 911 dispatcher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in project management from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga. Lazar emphasized his commitment to developing internal leadership within the department, stating, “What they need is leadership that can develop, that can mentor, and that can bring up the next generation.”

Kenneth Binder currently serves as the interim police chief in Gilroy and previously held the role of undersheriff in Santa Clara County until his retirement in 2024. His experience includes a brief tenure as acting sheriff following the resignation of former Sheriff Laurie Smith amid allegations of corruption. Binder holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s in business administration from San Jose State University. He aims to restore trust within the department, asserting that he would prioritize being “trustworthy, respected by the rank and file, and knows the organization inside and out.”

Brian Wynn Huynh Travis, who has spent most of his policing career in the North Bay, grew up in San Mateo County. A refugee from Vietnam, he graduated from Hillsdale High School and has a master’s degree in business administration from California Coast University. Travis also attended the FBI National Academy and has a distinguished military background, serving 26 years in the U.S. Army. He expressed a desire to reset the Sheriff’s Office culture, saying, “This is a chance to show our deputies that their dedication matters and to demonstrate that our Sheriff’s Office is one of integrity, transparency, and care.”

Addressing Challenges and Preparing for the Future

The new appointee will face significant challenges, particularly following recent fiscal issues within the Sheriff’s Office, which saw cash reserves drop to less than 0.5%. The Board of Supervisors has since moved to require board and county executive approval for contracts and procurements to ensure better financial oversight. During the selection process, Travis emphasized the need for a thorough review of financial management, committing to work closely with the finance department to conduct an audit of expenditures and develop a budget that could restore financial stability.

The public engagement aspect of the selection process aims to foster transparency and accountability, allowing community members to pose questions directly to the candidates. The outcome of this appointment will significantly influence the direction of law enforcement in San Mateo County during a critical period of transition.

The Board of Supervisors is poised to make a final decision on November 12, 2023, marking a new chapter for the Sheriff’s Office and its commitment to serving the community effectively.