Hello, my name is Maria Skelton and I'm running for LSB. I'm running because I strongly believe in being fair, respectful and polite. What motivated me to run is to see KPFK shine again and to help with its mission to have workshops and classes for the youth. I'm excited to run with a group of volunteers that's willing to be apart of seeing its membership grow. I've received numerous awards and certificates from the Mayor, Senator, Congress, Assembly member and on the news for my volunteer work in the community. But, honestly I'm so proud of being apart of helping young people turn their life around. Some kids feel like the stone that the builder refuse. Which means when a builder builds a house, every stone has to have the right look, the right size, the right shape, the right color and the right weight. I always tell them that, if someone refuse them because of their look, size, shape, color or weight, that they're perfect in my eyes. I strongly try to do my part in putting a stop to teen depression, suicided, and the school to prison pipeline. So, that's why I jumped at the chance to be apart of and stand firm with KPFK Mission Statement in having programs for the youth. I'm willing to and would like to work hand and hand with anyone that has the best interest for KPFK. I would like to bring my qualifications and experience in planning and putting on community events for over 15 years. This year, I put together a vaccination drive which had over a few thousand attendees in just over two (2) months. I volunteered at a Juvenile Hall facility, mental health clinic, a prison family council, in the process of being Ordained and on the board of a few committees. I pray that I could have for vote for LSB. "When We Lift From The Bottom, Everybody Rises"

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station's mission?
The experience that I'll bring to help advance the station's mission is my continuous work with the youth. I'll also bring my skills in willing to sit down and listen to the youth because some kids feel unseen and unheard. In Section (C) of the mission statement is about helping students, establishing awards and scholarships etc,, In the pass I use to honor the youth with certificates from people in office. We need to understand that not every child is going to be a straight A student. So, let's focus on what the youth may like, let's start listening to them, lets accept the tattoos, green hair and baggy pants and just show them some love. With the help of all of the volunteers and the great staff at KPFK, together we'll be able to get a long waiting list of kids that want to attend the classes and workshops


2. What do you appreciate and value in the station's current operations?
I appreciate and value the diversity in the stations operations.


3. What would you like to see improved or changed in the station's current operations?
What I would like to see improve in the stations current operations are more youth involvement.


4. Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
My top three priorities if I was elected shall be:
1. More youth input
2. Events at the station for the community (back to school supplies giveaway and more)
3. Increase membership and TSL (Time Spent Listening - before someone change the station)


5. Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station's financial footing?
My thoughts on how to help improve the stations financial footing would be to focus on three (3) things which are the Problem, Vision and the Solution.
1. Problem - need more listeners
2. Vision - getting and obtaining the listeners
3. Solution -
   1. Having the youth create and put door hangers on people doors in their community
   2. Have a celebrity host a show a few times a month. If a celebrity has a million followers and put on Facebook that they're going to be on KPFK hosting a show and there's going to be a drawing for five (5) lucky members (keyword members) to be able to come to the station for a picture and a autograph.
   3. Have a challenge to schools - whichever school that has the most improvement in attendance or grades, KPFK will attend their prom night, which would help the school because the school won't have to pay for a DJ
   4. Growing up, there was a radio station that use to give out free book covers (paper ones) with there logo on it. Just think of how many people seen that book cover while the student was on the bus, at the library etc.... Each student was a FREE walking billboard for the station
      
      All of the items above shall bring members, members bring money.


6. Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
   
I'm willing to walk hand and hand with anyone that's willing to fight to put KPFK back in the light that it use to and needs to be in.

Please Vote For Me