Readers React: In defense of the departing L.A. County Fair chief

To the editor: Your story on James Henwood Jr.’s departure from the Los Angeles County Fair Assn. unjustly implies that his performance was wanting. Those who observed what Henwood accomplished at the fair in the last 20 years would disagree. (“Head of L.A. County Fair Assn. quits after Times investigation,” March 30)

The physical improvements and year-round programming he introduced turned the Pomona Fairplex into an active, thriving community asset.

Further, claiming that the fair had left its agricultural roots is to ignore reality: Los Angeles has not been a farm community for decades, and the fair reflected that reality. No urban county fairs in California can reasonably be expected to reflect agriculture.

Finally, the compensation paid to Henwood was fairly arrived at by the board that governs the fair. If there is criticism to be laid on that account, it should be on the board, not Henwood.

Michael Stockstill, Irvine

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To the editor: It is hard to understand how a nonprofit and quasi government association could fleece taxpayers and constituents to the extent it has. Bleeding millions of dollars and paying Henwood $1 million a year makes one wonder who was watching the till.

Apparently, the fair’s board of directors and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors have forgotten their duty to the taxpayers for this lack of financial oversight and potential misuse of government property. What a shame.

When will folks be held accountable for falling asleep at the wheel?

Geoffrey B. King, Wasco, Calif.

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