Moorlach Says Ellis Mischaracterized Meeting|Supervisor remembers meeting with Ellis and others about long-term vision for fairgrounds but not specifically about privatization plans.
County Supervisor John Moorlach this morning sent out his email blast commenting on our fair situation story. In it, Moorlach disputes Fair Board member Dave Ellis’ remarks that he was privy to the details about the fair foundation’s plan early on.
Here is the specific quote from Ellis that Moorlach is referring to:
“John Moorlach was part and parcel of that discussion back a year ago when we hosted him and his chief of staff, Mario Mainero, for lunch,” Ellis said referring to early discussions about the non-profit purchasing the fairgrounds.
Moorlach has a different recollection. From his morning email blast:
“The lunch that David Ellis is referring to, if my memory is correct, was on the fairgrounds quite some time ago. Steve Beazley, now CEO of the OC Fair, provided us with a vision of the property, including adding Weird Al Yankovic’s Brain and a possible high tower ride. I have no recollection of discussing the formation of a private foundation or the possible sale of the fairgrounds during that appointment.”