RIVERSIDE /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday announced the appointment of John J. Benoit to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, representing District IV. “As an experienced elected official and former public safety officer, John J. Benoit has a proven history of dedicated public service and is absolutely the best person to fill this important position,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I have no doubt that John will continue to promote the interests of the people in Riverside County to the best of his ability in this new role.”

Benoit has served as a member of the California State Senate, representing the 37th District, since 2008. Previously, he served in the California State Assembly, representing the 64th District from 2002 to 2008. Benoit served the California Highway Patrol as the Indio area commander from 1988 to 2001, lieutenant from 1984 to 1988, sergeant from 1980 to 1984, motor officer from 1979 to 1980 and traffic officer from 1973 to 1979. Prior to that, he served as a cadet for the Corona Police Department from 1971 to 1973.

Benoit is a member and past president of the United Way of the Desert and the Indio Rotary.

“I’m honored to take on this role on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors,” said Senator John J. Benoit. “I will use the experience I’ve gained through years of public service, including serving in the California State Senate and Assembly, to solve key issues facing our region.”

Benoit, 57, of Bermuda Dunes, earned a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, San Bernardino and a Bachelor of Arts degree in public safety from California State University, Los Angeles. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $143,031. Benoit is a Republican.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is the elected body representing the people of Riverside County. There are five districts that elect the five-person board of supervisors. District IV represents the cities of Blythe, Cathedral City, Coachella, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 25060, the Governor has the appointing authority to fill a vacancy on a county board of supervisors until the next general election cycle. The appointee of the Governor must be an elector of the district which he/she will represent for 30 days immediately preceding the appointment and reside in the district during his/her incumbency. The appointee will hold office until the election and qualification of a successor with such election to be held at the next general election unless the term would expire in January following such general election. When a vacancy continues from the failure of the person elected to succeed the appointee to qualify for office, the Governor’s appointee holds for the unexpired term.

The District IV seat of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors currently has a vacancy due to the passing of Supervisor Roy Wilson on August 26, 2009.

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Valerie Gotten (aka Valerie G) is an abstract painter, former movie stand-in, and volunteers for "green events" to help raise awareness about global warming, and help preserve California's wilderness and natural beauty.

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