We’re running for the board of MCTV

NOTE: All candidates are always welcome to submit statements to Coastsider.

I’ve been critical of MCTV’s policies about copyright and its management for the past few weeks, but I’ve decided to do something about it.

Last Friday, shortly after I learned nominations for the board were about to close, I nominated myself, as well as Darin Boville and Scott Boyd for the three open positions on the MCTV board.

Things have been crazy over the last week preparing for this, but we’re excited to be running for the board.

I’m going to be writing more how MCTV can be improved and the election process, but for now, I’ll leave you with what we wrote for our campaign brochure. Please leave questions and comments below and we’ll be happy to address them. What would you like to see from MCTV?

Why we’re running

MCTV has accomplished a lot in 20 years, but we need to find new ways to use Channel 6 as more video moves to the Web. MCTV’s new website is a long overdue step in the right direction, but much remains to be done to bring it up to date. At the same time, MCTV needs to open Channel 6 to new programming ideas and more engagement with the Coastside community.

Barry, Scott, Darin are uniquely qualified to accomplish this mission. Individually, they have created the Coastside’s first local websites (montara.org, sanmateo.org), first government websites (MWSD, MCC), first breaking news Web site (Coastsider.com), first videos from the Devil’s Slide closure (Darin Boville), and the Coastside’s first video website (MontaraFog.com).

* Open MCTV to the community with a membership drive, fundraising, and grants to support new community projects.

* Open our schedule with more prime-time access for original programming and new video produced by Coastsiders.

* Open minds by encouraging our viewers to communicate on Channel 6 and on our website.

* Open our door to members and viewers with regular business hours, answering the phone during business hours, and public board meetings that are cablecast on Channel 6.

* Open government meetings to greater public scrutiny by allowing fair use of our videos for use by the public.