Earl McPhail

Re “Agricultural Viability, Public Health Shape a Debate,” July 25.

Thanks to The Times Ventura County Perspective section for the fine article by Mr. Robert P. Roy in support of the reappointment of Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Earl McPhail (“Integrity and Objectivity of Critical Office Are at Stake”).

I found the significantly larger piece, located next to Rob’s article, by Elise Wright, to be largely a waste of space (“Commissioner’s Priority Should Be Concern for People”). Ms. Wright goes on again, as she has before, blaming pesticides for all of her and her friends’ and their children’s illnesses. She seems to be trying to assure us that if pesticides haven’t made us sick yet, just be patient because they will soon.

I hope the Board of Supervisors has seen and heard enough of Ms. Wright and her group of malcontents to understand their agenda and realize that these people will continue their crusade against the use of pesticides, no matter who is agricultural commissioner.

I can’t understand why Mr. McPhail would want to continue to expose himself to the cacophony this group produces. However, with the successful completion of his six-month probationary period, were I on the Board of Supervisors, I would certainly vote for his reappointment. Perhaps a new term in office will give Mr. McPhail an opportunity to exercise his newly found communication skills by sitting down with Ms. Wright and her group, the CCAAPP [Community and Children’s Advocates Against Pesticide Poisoning], at which time he could endeavor to explain the necessity of pesticides in commercial agriculture and the thick book of laws, the California Agricultural Code, which he enforces regulating their use in Ventura County.

JAMES R. HOHIMER, Newbury Park