POST rejects two ballot‑qualification challenges, citing statutory limits and staff findings

The POST Commission reviewed two challenges to sheriff candidacies on Feb. 20 and left staff decisions largely intact after legal analysis.

In one case, Rolando Benasco sought placement on the Benton County ballot and disputed staff interpretation of the statutory requirement that a candidate have "at least 3 years of full time experience as a post‑commission certified law enforcement officer in the previous 10 years." Legal staff read the statute and told the commission it cannot waive an explicit statutory requirement enacted by the General Assembly. The commission voted to deny the challenge and upheld staff’s statutory interpretation.

In a separate review, Camden Lane (Houston County) responded to an anonymous challenge alleging he lacked the required three years in the last 10. Lane said investigators had reviewed his packet and previously approved it; he criticized the anonymous challenger’s reliance on unverified claims. After staff reviewed records and discussed California certification and continuity of employment while on medical leave, the commission decided to take no action on the anonymous challenge.

Commissioners urged candidates to raise statutory concerns with state legislators if they seek a change in the qualification standard. Legal staff and investigators said they will continue to review documentation in close cases and noted the commission lacks authority to alter statutory requirements.