This year, 3 of the 7 board seats are up for election. The four top vote-getting board candidates last year received two-year terms, and the next three received one-year terms. Sid Cooperrider, Dave Smith, Steve Scalmanini, and Terry Nieves will be on the board this year also. Dennis O’Brien, Jenny Shakman, and Bill Thornsby were also elected to the board last year. Bill Thornsby vacated his position due to other obligations, and the remainder of the board filled the vacancy with Jessica Clark, a very active MEC & KMEC volunteer (and also the 8th top vote getter in the 2007 election.)
This year, there are four candidates for the three available positions. The candidates statements are below.
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2008 MEC Board Candidates Statements
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Please elect me to the board of the Mendocino Environmental Center. I have been involved with many peace, justice and environmental issues around the MEC since it started. I have worked with many community radio stations including KKUP (’82 – present), KZYX (’89 – present), and KMEC nearly 3 years. I offer my experience, energy and cooperative spirit, that the MEC grow and psosper with integrity, as a vital and functional resource for this part of Northern California.
‘Verge’ Vernon Belanger
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I, Jessica Clark, announce my intention to seek a position on the 2008 Mendocino Environmental Center Board of Directors. A deep committment to the spirit of the Center – the rolling thunder of hope on the horizon – Peace, Earth Mother, and harmonious society – is what drives me to lend time and energy to our reemerging Center.
Reforesting the office for a more oxygen-filled experience, cleaning, helping with the window displays, and re-arranging for events, programming and assisting in direction for KMEC are some of the tasks I have done over the last two years at the Center. I am helpful in some tech situations. Solving issues with others is time I enjoy – as a current member to the Center’s Board, I have enjoyed our board meetings!
Media is an important function of the Mendocino Evironmental Center, something that could be added to our mission statement, and I am committed to being part of the strong web that upholds KMEC. This year I will work more on the efforts toward the creation of a MEC/KMEC news crew, in whatever way that evolves with the constant flowing of this magical group. I love working with you all and would like to continue to be on your board. Thanks for your involvement!
Jessica Clark
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I continue to believe in the principles of nonviolence.
Since being elected director, I have dedicated myself to re-energizing aspects of the MEC’s operations that had been suspended during our closure. Our magazine is back. The Center itself is once again a center of activity for meetings and events. We have sponsored or co-sponsored many events in the community, including Solstice/Equinox food and music gatherings. In April we will co-sponsor the now-annual Earth Day peace festival which brings the public together with many community service organizations for a day of sharing and caring.
But the greatest satisfaction comes from giving people something to believe in. I have constantly reminded folks of our mission as defined in our bylaws: to facilitate efforts to protect the Earth and to promote peace and social justice. I have tried not to impose my own will, but rather to facilitate the immense diversity of talents and interests that drive our board, our station, and our members. And in spite of waking up some days wondering if I will have the strength and stamina to carry the load, I am inspired by the knowledge that we are doing nothing less than saving the world.
Dennis O’Brien
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I, Jenny Shakman, current MEC board member and program director for KMEC radio, am requesting your vote. The amazing revival of the MEC over the last year is an overwhelming reason to re-elect all incumbents so that we may continue our work. In the past the MEC was expected to stay alert, take action when needed and keep you informed on issues that could alter your community and land. Our rebirth could not have come at a more crucial time, the future of the Ukiah valley is being decided now. The world is changing and it is up to all of us to protect our home. It is imperative that there be a cooperatively working MEC to ensure that the land you love will grow in a way that properly stewards our valley. The seven board members elected last April have worked together in harmony free of division and discord. I am requesting your vote so that the current board may finish the many projects we began this year.
Thank You for voting.
Jenny Shakman
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