A FAIR IDEA
Sometimes a simple solution is staring everyone in the face but folks are too bust wringing their hands to notice.
This could be the case when it comes to cleaning up the raft of issues arising from the board of the Tri-County Fairgrounds being stripped of power and put in limbo by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which is the actual big boss over the fairgrounds.
It is obvious the state wants to see some changes at the Fairgrounds and in the makeup of its board of directors. The recent damning audit, resignation of CEO Jen McGuire and having the board relegated to the cheap seats as spectators are pretty clear signals more changes are on the horizon.
A simple change that could alter the entire direction and fate of the Fairgrounds would be to appoint a full board of nine members. Currently, and for as long as anyone can remember, there have been five board members, all from Inyo County. That is not how the fair board is supposed to be constructed. The makeup of the board is supposed to be five members from Inyo, and two members each from Mono and Alpine counties. That would make the “Tri-County” moniker a reality. (The distant board members could attend by Zoom).
It’s well past time to spread the workload and responsibility to Inyo’s neighbors to the north, who have as vibrant of an agricultural economy and heritage as Inyo.
If that happens, there could immediately be four new board members bringing fresh eyes, perspectives and energy to the board. Plus, I would expect at least a few of the current board members will be invited to leave. There are some ugly spats, hurt egos and damaged relationships between some board members and the state Food and Ag folks. Long memories are not unique to Inyo County. A few might also resign after all the drama this year. The end result could be a mix of up to six new board members, with two or three experienced holdovers to provide some history and continuity.
Getting a fully empowered and functioning board should be the first priority.
Second priority is shooting down the idea of the City of Bishop and Inyo County saddling up a posse to ride to the Fairgrounds rescue. The idea that city and county government will miraculously turn around a money-losing fair and event center is almost laughable. Governments are not structured to be money-making enterprises. And to those who think “local control” will be better than “state control,” here’s a reality check: The city and county auditors, lawyers, personnel departments and risk managers are just as persnickety as their state counterparts, and rightly so. There will be red tape and bureaucratic hurdles and headaches if government is involved on any level.
So, exploring the idea of separating the fairgrounds from the state and creating some unknown, unnamed non-profit or quasi-governmental entity to take over and run the fairgrounds is a rabbit hole. No need to waste time diving into that.
Instead, Inyo and Bishop elected officials should devote some time and whatever political capital they have with the governor to urge him to appoint a full board of directors with representatives from all three counties.
That would be the simplest, quickest way to begin moving beyond the current drama and deadlock and starting the hard work it will take to create a new era at the Tri-County Fairgrounds.
Jon Klusmire of Bishop is looking for the governor’s phone number.
