Local News in Brief : Former Parks Director Agonia Gets State Post

Former Glendale Parks Director Henry R. Agonia was confirmed this week as director of the State Parks and Recreation Department, just two days before the confirmation deadline.

Agonia, named to the state post by Gov. George Deukmejian a year ago, had until April 13 to win Senate approval. Without confirmation, Agonia would automatically have been disqualified from the position.

Agonia’s appointment originally was to be confirmed in February, but was delayed when members of the Senate Rules Committee requested more time to discuss the new director’s policies.

The vote was finally taken Monday when senators approved Agonia without opposition.

“I feel terrific,” Agonia said jubilantly Tuesday. He said he heard the 29-0 Senate vote over a speaker phone in his offices in the state Resources Agency building.

Agonia, 45, was appointed to the position last spring after former Director William S. Briner resigned amid charges of racism and sex discrimination. The governor’s previous appointee, former Assembly Republican Leader Carol Hallett, was rejected by the Senate in 1983.

Jackie Deuschle, Agonia’s deputy director for communications, said the staff had stored celebration cakes in freezers since last week in anticipation of the confirmation. More than 350 staff members joined a surprise party for Agonia after the announcement on Monday.

Agonia worked for the Glendale Parks Department since 1970 and was director from 1977 to 1987. He and his wife moved from their La Crescenta home to Sacramento this month.