Sheriff won’t seek re-election: Greg Munks to serve until 2018 when term expires; Undersheriff Carlos Bolanos to run for position

He told County Manager John Maltbie last week he plans to retire when his term expires at the end of 2018 and also sent a memo to the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff’s Association explaining his plans.

“There’s been a lot of rumors about when I might leave and I want to end the speculation,” said Munks, who turns 61 next month.

Meanwhile, Bolanos got a jump-start on replacing Munks by filing a Statement of Organization with the county’s Election’s Office Wednesday. The name of his committee is Carlos Bolanos for Sheriff 2018.

Bolanos couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday.

With news of Munks retiring, San Mateo Police Chief Susan Manheimer has been encouraged to run for the office as well. She hadn’t decided whether she’d run Thursday but indicated she was considering it.

Munks said he came to the decision after discussing it with his wife and family.

“I’m not going to run again but I plan to finish out my term,” he said.

Munks started his career as a deputy sheriff with San Mateo County before joining the Palo Alto Police Department where he rose to the rank of lieutenant.

He rejoined the county Sheriff’s Office in 1993 as undersheriff.

He has spearheaded the construction of the Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City to replace outdated jail facilities. The 267,000-square-feet facility is budgeted for $126 million and opens next year.

Munks wants to see some new programming and initiatives get underway to reduce recidivism before he leaves.

Under his tenure, the Sheriff’s Office has also taken over patrol duties in Millbrae, Half Moon Bay and San Carlos.

Bolanos was the former police chief in Redwood City before being hired as undersheriff in 2007.

Munks said Thursday he was fully supporting the Bolanos campaign.

“He’s a great guy,” Munks said.

bill@smdailyjournal.com

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