By News Channel 3
newsline3@kesq.com

RIVERSIDE - News Channel 3 has confirmed that State Senator John Benoit, who represents a district including Bermuda Dunes, will take the place of the late Roy Wilson on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

In the last two supervisor meetings, several agenda items were deferred to the next meeting because only three supervisors were available to vote.

The Fourth District seat left vacant following the August resignation of Supervisor Wilson, who later died, had not been filled by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has the sole authority to appoint a temporary replacement until an election can be held, until today.

Several candidates are expected to vye for the seat in the primary election slated for June. The leading contender is Sen. John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, whom Wilson endorsed days before his death, and who will now serve out the rest of his term.