From: "WEFT Board of Directors Chair" <boardchair@weft.org>
To: <wefti@weft.org>;
<weftb@weft.org>
Sent:
Subject: [WEFTi] WEFT BoD Membership Election Candidates
Dear WEFT Supporter,
A few weeks ago, you received a letter from me asking for nominations for
the upcoming WEFT Board of Directors Membership Election. Unless we have
any last-minute entries, there are three candidates (in order of entry):
Harry Washburn, Jeff Brandt, and Randall Cotton.
As explained in the nominations letter, there are three open seats: two
two-year terms and one one-year term. Just because there are three
candidates and three open seats, that doesn't mean each of the candidates
automatically gets a seat.
When you get your ballot in early June, you will see that by each name
there will be three choices: "For," "Against," and
"Abstain." A "For" vote
counts as +1. A "Against" vote counts as -1.
An "Abstain" vote counts as
zero. A candidate must have more positive than negative votes to gain the
seat. More details will be provided along with your ballot.
Within the next week, we will open an on-line candidates' forum over at
weft.org. There you will be able to post questions to the various
candidates.
Below are the candidate statements. The original letters will be posted
tonight to the bulletin board at the WEFT studios (
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at boardchair@weft.org
Thanks!
Jason Croft
----------------------------------
Chair
Board of Directors
WEFT-FM / Prairie Air Inc.
boardchair@weft.org
www.weft.org
**************************
(Transcribed for original letter)
RE: Board of Directors
I've been a resident in CU since the late 1960's. I'm currently retiring
from the real estate/income property field. Before my RE days, I was
owner/operator of Harry Washburn Management and Blytham Talent, both music
agencies. Before that, was a working musician/artist
(singer/guitarist/bassist). I've been involved in music all my life, and
most recently was MC and helped organize the RED LION REUNION in 2006.
I was on air at WEFT for a short period of time (late 80's early 90's).
After that was on air at WIXY 100.3 part time for 5 years.
I have many skills in the music business starting with being a singer
guitarist/bassist, owned a recording studio for several years (Sunday
Studios), producer, promoter, booking agent, manager. All
aspects of
business.
I was made aware of BOD opening by Mick your GM. I think I can help.
Thank You.
Harry Washburn
**************************
(Transcribed for original letter)
I'm interested in submitting my name for the WEFT Member Elections to the
Board of Directors.
Most of my experience with WEFT is through working in the local music
scene, and working with my wife on her former WEFT radio program "Frosted
Indie Wheats". I've known a number of the WEFT personnel and others
throughout the music and downtown communities through the years. I love
being a part of the downtown community, and WEFT is something that I'd
like to support more by being of service where I can.
I've lived in
Periscope and chain stores, such as Borders, and more.
I'm currently the owner of Exile on
downtown
decided to open the store surrounding myself with all the things I've
enjoyed since I've been young: music, movies, video
games - pop culture.
In running my business in downtown, I've enjoyed listening to a lot
people's opinions as well as conversing with my customers. So I hear a
lot of viewpoints on a lot of topics. Because of my interest in music and
my work for years in various record stores, I am familiar with the music
industry, where it's been, and where it's going, as well as related
business and financial matters.
Sincerely,
Jeff Brandt
1009
**************************
(
We are fortunate, here in East Central Illinois, to have community radio
resources in our area (a regrettably rare circumstance in the
States
uncommon, and we are lucky to have it in our corner of the Midwest, that
WEFT should be accepted as is, should not be changed and should not be
criticized, for however inadequate WEFT might be, at least it still
exists. However, mere existence is a poor measure by which to judge the
benefit, success and strength of the station. We should aspire to much
more than simply avoiding demise. Instead, we should be constantly
striving to strengthen, grow and evolve the station, not only so that the
community would be better served, but also so that the station might be
better able to withstand any future threatening adversity.
In recent years, it has become clear that WEFT leaves much to be desired
and the station is losing substantial support in the community. The most
recent on-air pledge drive brought in 38% less in pledges than the
previous one ($15,105.70 in February 2008 vs. $24,541.40 in May 2007, both
over two-week periods). Looking back further, we now bring in 53% less in
pledges than we did a few years back ($15,105.70 in 14 days for February
2008 vs. 30,096.00 in 13 days for October 2002). I think some of the
problems causing this loss of support are:
1. The tampering with last year's election by the WEFT Board (resulting in
a lawsuit by 16 WEFT Members).
2. The failure to finish sending out pledge drive premiums (such as CD's)
from the Spring 2007 pledge drive for more than 8 months.
3. The failure to hold a pledge drive last Fall.
4. The poor management of underwriting (sponsorship by local businesses
and organizations)
5. The ongoing violation of our Bylaws regarding financial
and management
matters
6. Censorship of criticism regarding these issues by shutting down the
"wefta" electronic mailing list (including removal of 5 years of its
archives)
I've been a WEFT listener for 21 years, a financial contributor for more
than 10 years, a volunteer for almost 5 years and I served on the WEFT
Board from 2004-2006. I am running for the Board again to help revitalize
WEFT by:
1. Focusing on adherence to our Bylaws and the regulations of our major
grantors such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
2. Establishing more integrity in our management and financial practices
(including annual audits, which are required in our Bylaws but have never
been performed)
3. Broadening volunteer participation
4. Strengthening the station's democracy through increased transparency
and accountability
For more information on my candidacy and on some of
the problems WEFT is
facing these days, check out www.reformweft.org
after
Randall Cotton
1912
217-351-8644
recotton@earthlink.net
_______________________________________________
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