Officials remember John Benoit

Officials mourn the passing of Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit.

“I send my condolences and prayers to the Benoit family during this difficult time of mourning,” said U.S representative Dr. Raul Ruiz in a statement. “We are thankful for John’s 17 years in office as a public servant on the local school board, in the California State Assembly and Senate, and as our Riverside County Board Supervisor.”

“DA Hestrin and the entire DA’s Office wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Benoit family on the passing of Supervisor John Benoit. We mourn along with the entire county and keep the Supervisor and his family in our thoughts and prayers.” said The Riverside County D.A.’s office.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District called Benoit, ” a champion for clean air and a positive force on the Governing Board. He was respected by his colleagues and will be greatly missed.” Benoit joined the SCAQMD Governing Board in September, 2010 as the Riverside County representative on the Board. In 2013, Benoit led an unprecedented effort to bring millions in funding to the Coachella Valley for air pollution projects that directly benefitted residents, local communities and businesses in the area.

“Benoit exemplified the true definition of a public servant, from his decades in law enforcement with the California Highway Patrol to his countless accomplishments as our county representative, said the City of La Quinta.

The statement continued, “His efforts, along with his positive leadership and involvement in our communities, made the Coachella Valley a better place to live, work and visit. The City of La Quinta wishes to extend condolences to Supervisor Benoit’s family and County staff.”

John Benoit’s assistant told KESQ News Channel 3 / CBS Local 2 that Supervisors Marion Ashley and John Tavaglione will be covering Benoit’s District, until Gov. Jerry Brown appoints a successor. Gov. Brown will be interviewing candidates to fill the position soon.