Arguments for San Mateo County sheriff removal measure are in

The unprecedented effort to expand the board’s jurisdiction and authority over an elected position within the county follows the public release and ongoing turmoil surrounding an investigative report detailing evidence of corruption within the Sheriff’s Office executive team. 

The charter amendment would specify instances in which the board could hold this vote, including violation of law related to a sheriff’s duties, flagrant or repeated neglect of duties, misappropriation of public funds, willful falsification of documents or obstructing an investigation. 

The board would also have to provide the sheriff written notice and an opportunity to be heard ahead of its vote. 

Corpus has denied invitations to provide a public address under oath about the investigation’s findings. 

The measure provides “urgent checks and balances on the Sheriff’s Office,” the official pro argument reads, and the sunset clause suggests it is a “focused and time-limited solution to protect our community.” 

Though the Board of Supervisors initiated the process through an approved resolution earlier this month, the campaign in favor of the charter amendment was signed by state and local legislative leaders, and representatives of the sergeants and deputy sheriff’s unions. 

The official argument against the charter amendment was filed by Dan Stegink, a rescue diver and Pacifica resident who has remained vocal at board meetings about the overreach of authority this measure would allow. 

“Don’t give up your right to vote on who will best protect your family and community,” the con argument reads, asking residents to vote against the measure. 

An official rebuttal to Stegink’s argument was also submitted, outlining the findings in former Judge LaDoris Cordell’s 400-page report which include a culture of intimidation, conflicts of interest and discrimination. 

It also notes the warrantless arrest of Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Carlos Tapia, the morning the investigative report was released for alleged time card fraud, which was recently revealed by the District Attorney’s Office to be baseless, raising questions of the arrest as a matter of retaliation. 

“These actions are deliberate attacks on the principles of justice and accountability,” the rebuttal to the argument against the measure reads. “The board needs the power to remove a sheriff if it concludes these problems warrant her removal.” 

Stegink said he didn’t feel it was necessary to file a formal rebuttal to the argument in favor of the measure. 

“You don’t have to say it twice if you’ve said it once properly,” Stegink said. 

Stegink has suggested Supervisor Ray Mueller — one spokesperson representing the board on the matter — has motivations related to seeking the district attorney position, to which Mueller said is “absolutely absurd.” Mueller has already announced his campaign for reelection in 2026. 

The argument against the measure more pertains to concern over extended power of authority, rather than a response to Cordell’s report findings, Stegink said. 

Though he “takes Judge Cordell at her word,” Stegink thinks the fact the complainants were made anonymous to the public and interviews were not recorded makes the request for Corpus to do so hypocritical. 

“The Board of Supervisors just doesn’t have the power to do this, I think they’re going to get spanked down legally,” Stegink said. 

The argument in favor of the measure centers on the threat to public safety at the hands of a disgruntled Sheriff’s Office filled with employees who do not have confidence in their sheriff and her administration. 

“How can we trust the sheriff to keep our county safe when the sheriff’s own team doesn’t?” the pro argument asks voters.

Almost the entire sworn staff in the Sheriff’s Office has asked Corpus to resign, as well as San Carlos City Council, congressional and legislative leaders and the Board of Supervisors. Corpus has repeatedly stated she will not step down. 

The full 400-page investigative report by Cordell can be accessed at www.smcgov.org/ceo/independent-investigation-sheriffs-office in addition to press conferences and statements on the matter on behalf of the county. 

The county will begin mailing vote by mail ballots by Monday, Feb. 3, when early voting centers will also open the same day in San Mateo and Redwood City. 

Visit smcacre.gov/elections/march-4-2025-special-election for the ordinance, impartial analysis and official arguments in favor and against Measure A.