I know KBOO provides a community service, but where KBOO is now good, I would like to see its potential for greatness achieved. KBOO is the ONLY local station where the members - at least theoretically - are in control; for that reason I want to elicit more member input. IMO, members shouldn't be periodically asked only for their money; I believe you members should be asked for your preferences and your ideas. I would like to see KBOO's members polled - so that we know which current shows members enjoy the most, whether you would like to see new program hosts, whether you would like more talk, more music, or perhaps a little political satire? - I would also like to know which issues most concern you at this time: the war, the economy, the environment, or ______(write in your own personal hot button issue)?
The current board can't seem to identify the problem which has resulted in falling membership and lagging fund-raising efforts, but they seem awfully busy trying to figure out who to blame. At the last board meeting, Alan Graf, was blamed for KBOO's problems , because of Alan's recent post to PortlandIndyMedia!? At the same meeting an elected, but unseated, board member was blamed for costing KBOO money, but this same person, at one time, initiated a very successful fund raiser in the Corvallis area which netted KBOO's general fund $5,000 and $15,000 for a translator to boost Portland's signal for Corvallis residents. Even volunteers don't seem to meet board standards, as more than a few have been precipitously banned over the last couple of years - often without benefit of a single warning prior to their banishment. I guess volunteers hoping for a little respect and appreciation for their work, had better be limber enough to pat themselves on the back. ;-)
IMO, a board which seems to be on the defensive does not need more authority such as their proposed new bylaws would give them, but I think the Board may need to take a more positive view of constructive criticism so that KBOO can improve upon its service to the community. It is my strong conviction that members who give of their money, and volunteers who give of their time should be appreciated - even when they are not in total agreement with the board or staff.
I am working with other members on a set of bylaws to counter that of the board's, with the hopes of retaining the current status of members and volunteers - in order to keep the "community" in KBOO Radio.
I am a former Social Worker (I worked with the homeless), a citizen of the United States, a Board Member of the Oregon Consumer League, and a KBOO member renewal date 7-30-2011. I am now retired, but write an occasional article for OpEdNews; I am also a member of the Eastside Democratic Club (a non-partisan group), and I am an involved citizen on issues of peace and justice.
