JIM GERAGHTY - 2015 CMCM Board Candidate Statement

Why do you want to serve on the CMCM Board of Directors?

I was asked to apply to CMCM's founding board by members of the community. My philosophy from the beginning was and still is creating opportunities for all communities in Marin to tell their stories and become part of the Marin TV family. Communication is key for government, educational institutions, and the public. One role as a board member is outreach to the community. I've enjoyed reaching out to diverse communities, cultures, and government agencies, bringing productions, new members, and information from a broad spectrum of organizations. I would appreciate your vote so I can continue this work.

What relevant experience do you bring to this board position?

My strength on the CMCM Board is utilizing relationships for fundraising, outreach and governmental support. I was part of a fundraising team that reached out Good Earth, Marin Clean Energy and received substantial underwriting support. The Marin Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC), one of the organizations I belong to, also made a sizable donation and I donated my Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award stipend to CMCM. I outreached to the county and was successful in bringing the Mental Health Department to CMCM that produced a contract to develop informative videos for outreach.

As a community activist I reached out to the historically underserved Canal and Marin City communities. As a CMCM member, I worked with our MIRC Team (all CMCM members) to produce “Why We Come”, a 45 minute documentary telling the story of 12 migrant's journey from the homes to Marin

What is your vision for CMCM and how will you achieve it?

CMCM is one of the best PEG centers in the country. Our staff is excellent. One of my visions for CMCM's future is to continue as a board to support and allow our staff to excel.
I have a vision of inclusiveness, and want to continue community outreach and grow the CMCM family from all corners of Marin.

I want to insure we maintain a good funding stream. As our funding model slowly shifts from a “cable TV franchise fee”, we need to work towards creating a future “internet franchise fee” funding stream. Right now our funding is based on a percentage of cable tv charges, at present we receive no franchise fees from internet charges. As we shift from cable viewing to internet viewing we need to lobby state and federal legislatures to create a franchise fee, a fee for using public space for the cables and equipment, of the internet's infrastructure on our public property. I'd work with local government agencies and CMCM members to create a local strategy for lobbying and educating our elected officials on the need for transitioning to a new funding model.

Thank you for your support.

Read Other Candidate Statements:
Bruce Bagnoli read candidate statement
Jacek Andre Sochan read candidate statement
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