[Kzyxtalk] MCPB Elections

[John Sakowicz]

Dear Mr. Jonathan Middlebrook, 
I'm writing to you in your capacity as the Mendocino County Public Broadcasting (MCPB) Board of Directors, Elections Coordinator. 
I'm also writing as a candidate for the Board of Directors. My donation of $37 in 2016 ($25 is the "simple living" threshold) along with my previous Board experience (my term expired in March, and qualifies as an in-kind donation) both qualified me as a candidate. Additionally, I submitted my application and candidate statement before the deadline. 
That said, in years past, it was the practice for MCPB to post candidates' statements on its website, then to subsequently host a candidates debate, live and on-air, from our Philo studio. The debate allowed members to call or email questions to candidates. 
For non-profits like MCPB, that are are also member-driven, I believe these practices fall squarely in the realm of "best business practices". Our governance model is strengthened by disclosure, transparency, and member engagement and participation. 
This year, I've heard nothing about either the website posting or the debate. 
So my question is the following: Do you plan on continuing these practices during this 2017 Board elections cycle? 
Finally, one issue I hope candidates bring up in a debate is an issue of accountability-- specifically, the station's IRS Form 990s. You should be aware that there are wide variations in assets reported as equipment valued under 'Land, Buildings and Equipment' on Schedule D. 
The values reported in this line item on Schedule D on our Form 990s vary greatly for several tax years without explanation. This would imply a diversion of assets. Any diversion greater than 5 % of MCPB's assets could signal embezzlement, fraud, or an unauthorized use of MCPB's assets. In cases where a diversion of assets is the result of the activities of a person who can substantially influence the organization, like the General Manager, there could also be an adverse impact on the organization's tax-exempt status or penalty taxes. 
I can emphatically tell you that oversight procedures should be in place for everyone, including those who manage and govern the association -- and this was not the case during the three years I served as an MCPB Board Director from 2013-2016 and Board Treasurer in 2014. In fact, MCPB's financials were never shared with me before they were filed. 
I will be asking the Center for Association Leadership at the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) for guidance in this matter, regardless of the outcome of the election. 

Ultimately, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has the authority to investigate CPB initiatives and operations for issues of fraud, waste, and abuse. OIG criminal investigations can include false statements, audit obstruction, destruction of records -- all of which I believe may be issues at MCPB. Note that most of our financials and other public documents have disappeared in MCPB's new website. 

The above should be issues raised not only in the candidates debate but also at Board meetings. 
I am copying our GM and Board Chair on this email. 
Thank you. 
Yours very truly, 
John Sakowicz 






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