[Kzyxtalk] Ed Keller_KZYX candidate statement_2015

[King Collins]

Ed Keller 2015 Board Candidate Statement
Ed Keller – At-Large

I have been a longtime member and supporter of KZYX&Z. I’m interested in continuing as a member of the board for another three years because I love our radio station. I feel there are individuals in our community who profess love for it, but seek every opportunity and avenue to attack it, some going so far as to even promote people not becoming members! I also feel it speaks volumes that our community supports us so strongly through all the mudslinging. I have no doubt this is so because, for being such a small rural county we have a wealth of exceptionally talented, well educated, and dedicated programmers.

I am a semi-retired realtor and past owner of a local small business. I have been on numerous boards or committees over the past three decades. I’m most proud of my work to get Measure H passed and the Ukiah Skate Park built. At KZYX&Z I have been active in many areas beyond making every board meeting that I possibly could. I have answered phones at pledge drives and helped at our various fund-raising events. I initiated regular weekly tabling until this last year at the Ukiah Farmer’s Market for public outreach, and have spent countless hours of research and legwork to find alternatives to our current Philo studio. I have no agenda other than seeing our station become stronger. I believe board members need to be involved, but I do not believe in micro managing from the board. Our strong management team only needs minimal oversight, progressive input and guidance, and at times positive encouragement.

We currently have a very strong board mostly comprised of respected professional business people. I feel a solid majority of the current board members feel our primary obligation is, and has been, to get the station back to a strong financial footing. The fact that we are getting this done is due to that board vision and dedication as well as the committed, hard-working, talented management and staff that the vast majority of the board supports. We’ve accomplished so much including paying off a massive debt, instituting a professional web presence, upgrading equipment, and now we’ve been able to bring back an energetic news program.

I would appreciate your vote to continue our progress.