[Kzyxtalk] Last nights debate

[Cindy Swan]

As I had a previous commitment last night,
I have just now finished listening to the Candidates’ Forum
on jukebox.kzyx.org

I must say, I like Benj Thomas’s “Cost/Benefit Analysis” approach
to budget questions . . . as well as Toni Novelli’s statement at the end
that, after listening to all the concerns brought up,
that he would actually prefer to serve on the CAB
—rather than on the Board.

(I think his previous experience doing so, at another station,
might actually give the CAB some traction with the Board of MCPB,
as he already seems to have established a good rapport w/mgmt.)

It does seem essential that the organization have 
a lawyer on Board, one with Mendocino County
membership-owned, non-profit experience . . .
(who also has the patience to educate, rather than bully)
and Mr. O’Brian voiced this well, and his experience is significant.

While I like Ed Keller, I cringe at the thought 
of all three At-Large seats being held by Ukiah residents,
and wonder why he did not choose to run to retain 
his incumbent Ukiah District seat.  

I e-mailed that question in to Lorraine,
but she did not ask it. <sigh>

Five Ukiah board members makes me worry
that, ultimately, the county seat will prevail,
once again, centralizing assets intended for all;
like so many other worthy projects over the years
that were initiated in the hinterlands,
only to be taken over by centrists.  

Another (unasked, yet submitted) question:

Do you think it is possible
to create a vibrant and dynamic network 
between the station’s existing satellite studios
in Mendocino and Willits
and (proposed) new studios in Boonville and Ukiah?
Which new studio should be built first?
Which studio should serve as the “Mothership”?

How would YOU propose
said studios be developed and staffed
so that Mendocino County Public Broadcasting, Inc.
can continue to develop more local, quality programming,
reduce programmer travel distances, 
and better serve the far-flung communities
within your broadcast range?


REGARDING PROGRAMMING:
(as there were many times this was brought up) 
I waited and waited for just one candidate
to say something along the lines of:

“In my mind the Program Director is like an 
airport’s Air Traffic Controller . . .
Yes, the “final decision” is theirs
(as to who lands, where and when).
And it is not an easy job.

"But in order to be certain that airspace is utilized efficiently
and gracefully . . . they have to be constantly 
listening.
They are obligated to 
objectively 
weigh the variables 
and take into consideration all the input
so that all carriers (both foreign and domestic)
are served, 
and everyone has a happy landing,
and a great (non-threatening) experience in the process.”

"They cannot do this without 
their headphones on
and 
others constantly calling in
with coordinates, updates, and feedback. 

"And they have to listen when they do.
They cannot simply prefer one carrier
'because it’s easier'
They cannot ignore private pilots,
or shove them off to another airport
'because its easier’
They cannot choose to only speak
with pilots who come from their own culture
and/or speak their personal dialect,  
‘because its easier'
They can never take off their 
headphones that feed them info
from a vast network of resources
'because it’s easier to just do it myself’.”

Hopefully, Board members will also
consider this approach to representing
during their tenure.

Humbly submitted as food for thought,
~C.









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