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Opinion
I recently interviewed Jessica Pyska on one of the local radio stations. The one-hour interview was part of an equal time provision and the subject of a recent letter to the editor (Lori Coovert, “Voting for Bill Kearney for District 5 supervisor,” Oct. 14).
The equal time rules are governed by the Federal Communications Commission, the agency that licenses broadcasting entities. Among other things, the rule requires broadcasters, radio and television, to treat political candidates the same with respect to air time.
As legally qualified candidates for public office, Jessica and her opponent are subject to these rules as is the radio station that allowed Jessica equal time and, apparently, suspended her political opponent’s show during the remainder of the election.
Running for public office can be challenging. The process is fraught with rules – the reason candidates form campaign teams and sometimes hire consultants to help them. And, the campaign tactics sometimes get rough. Sadly, allegations made are believed if not responded to and so it goes.
When I saw the letter from Ms. Coovert it drew me back to a negative campaign mailer Jessica’s opponent put out implying she was dishonest – in campaign parlance, it was a “hit piece,” a legal though unsavory tactic.
As to the equal time rule and rationale for suspending a radio program consider that, in political campaigns, name recognition is crucial. Candidates strive to put their name out to voters using signs, literature, public appearances and the media, including radio. As a volunteer radio programmer and prior campaign manager, I’ve worked with the equal time rule but it doesn’t surprise me that it may not register as an obvious “known” to candidates.
The equal time rule is about fairness. If you happen to be in broadcasting with a show of your own when you decide to run for political office, you will probably be asked to discontinue your show. If not, perhaps you should volunteer to do so. I personally know political candidates that have.
Some radio stations have an explicit policy to suspend the shows of radio programmers who decide to run for office. In so doing, they avoid the equal time rule. This practice complies with the FCC equal opportunity laws (reference FCC Equal Opportunities Section 73.1941) and spares management the disruptive scheduling nightmare of providing equal time to all candidates.
In short, it is misleading to blame Jessica for cancelling the radio program of her opponent. She did not. That was the decision of the broadcasting station and, in my view, they were right to do so.
Although I am not a voter in District 5, I have come to know Jessica through her good and abundant deeds in the community. She is ethical, honest with strong family and community values. She’s been through many trials including the loss of her home to the Valley fire, yet she stands strong, working at the ground level – helping others is second nature.
Jessica doesn’t deserve to be characterized in the negative and inaccurate ways I’ve seen in the opposition’s campaign thus far. But don’t take my word for it – get to know her and her work and decide for yourself.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, California.
The equal time rules are governed by the Federal Communications Commission, the agency that licenses broadcasting entities. Among other things, the rule requires broadcasters, radio and television, to treat political candidates the same with respect to air time.
As legally qualified candidates for public office, Jessica and her opponent are subject to these rules as is the radio station that allowed Jessica equal time and, apparently, suspended her political opponent’s show during the remainder of the election.
Running for public office can be challenging. The process is fraught with rules – the reason candidates form campaign teams and sometimes hire consultants to help them. And, the campaign tactics sometimes get rough. Sadly, allegations made are believed if not responded to and so it goes.
When I saw the letter from Ms. Coovert it drew me back to a negative campaign mailer Jessica’s opponent put out implying she was dishonest – in campaign parlance, it was a “hit piece,” a legal though unsavory tactic.
As to the equal time rule and rationale for suspending a radio program consider that, in political campaigns, name recognition is crucial. Candidates strive to put their name out to voters using signs, literature, public appearances and the media, including radio. As a volunteer radio programmer and prior campaign manager, I’ve worked with the equal time rule but it doesn’t surprise me that it may not register as an obvious “known” to candidates.
The equal time rule is about fairness. If you happen to be in broadcasting with a show of your own when you decide to run for political office, you will probably be asked to discontinue your show. If not, perhaps you should volunteer to do so. I personally know political candidates that have.
Some radio stations have an explicit policy to suspend the shows of radio programmers who decide to run for office. In so doing, they avoid the equal time rule. This practice complies with the FCC equal opportunity laws (reference FCC Equal Opportunities Section 73.1941) and spares management the disruptive scheduling nightmare of providing equal time to all candidates.
In short, it is misleading to blame Jessica for cancelling the radio program of her opponent. She did not. That was the decision of the broadcasting station and, in my view, they were right to do so.
Although I am not a voter in District 5, I have come to know Jessica through her good and abundant deeds in the community. She is ethical, honest with strong family and community values. She’s been through many trials including the loss of her home to the Valley fire, yet she stands strong, working at the ground level – helping others is second nature.
Jessica doesn’t deserve to be characterized in the negative and inaccurate ways I’ve seen in the opposition’s campaign thus far. But don’t take my word for it – get to know her and her work and decide for yourself.
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, California.
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- Written by: Olga Martin Steele
Michael Froio, who is running for city council, is my neighbor.
He is a good neighbor. In fact, I've never had a neighbor like him before.
Neighbors commonly talk over the back yard fence and so do we. We would talk about the neighborhood and the blight and negative aspects we could see creeping in.
But Michael did more than just talk, he took action!
He started a Neighborhood Watch. Then he really got going! He single-handedly started a transformation by becoming manager of the rundown RV park in our neighborhood.
I'll just say that things are very much better already and things continue to improve.
My opinion is if Michael Froio were a Lakeport City Council member, he would be a doer and not just a talker.
Tim Snider lives in Lakeport, California.
He is a good neighbor. In fact, I've never had a neighbor like him before.
Neighbors commonly talk over the back yard fence and so do we. We would talk about the neighborhood and the blight and negative aspects we could see creeping in.
But Michael did more than just talk, he took action!
He started a Neighborhood Watch. Then he really got going! He single-handedly started a transformation by becoming manager of the rundown RV park in our neighborhood.
I'll just say that things are very much better already and things continue to improve.
My opinion is if Michael Froio were a Lakeport City Council member, he would be a doer and not just a talker.
Tim Snider lives in Lakeport, California.
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- Written by: Tim Snider
I have known the Kearney family for over 35 years. After moving to Lake County in 1980 they opened their first pharmacy and later a second pharmacy in Lakeport.
Last year after 39 years he sold two well-established pharmacy businesses and retired.
Bill and Dana Kearney have been members of many volunteer service organizations, by donating time and financial assistance to many local charities in Lake County.
Bill was past president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Bill serves as board
president of Sutter Lakeside Hospital and he supervised a $ 30 million budget for patient services. Bill was recognized by Congressman Mike Thompson with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bill Kearney volunteered every Wednesday doing “Health Talk” on our local radio station, discussing health and medication questions, submitted by the local radio audience. His talk show lasted 33 years until his political opponent wanted equal time, shut him off the air, even though the show was about health never about politics.
Now is the time to vote for Bill Kearney. He has the knowledge and the ethics and will be able to dedicate his full attention as supervisor for District 5.
Lori Coovert lives in Kelseyville, California.
Last year after 39 years he sold two well-established pharmacy businesses and retired.
Bill and Dana Kearney have been members of many volunteer service organizations, by donating time and financial assistance to many local charities in Lake County.
Bill was past president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Bill serves as board
president of Sutter Lakeside Hospital and he supervised a $ 30 million budget for patient services. Bill was recognized by Congressman Mike Thompson with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bill Kearney volunteered every Wednesday doing “Health Talk” on our local radio station, discussing health and medication questions, submitted by the local radio audience. His talk show lasted 33 years until his political opponent wanted equal time, shut him off the air, even though the show was about health never about politics.
Now is the time to vote for Bill Kearney. He has the knowledge and the ethics and will be able to dedicate his full attention as supervisor for District 5.
Lori Coovert lives in Kelseyville, California.
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- Written by: Lori Coovert
I would like to take a few moments of your time to introduce myself. I am Claudine Pedroncelli and I am running for the Upper Lake Unified School District Board.
A community outreach volunteer is how I best describe myself. Giving of my time and self is very important to me.
I have been committed to the ULUSD Board and wish to continue my service there.
The students of the district are my inspiration to serve. My desire is for each student to have a stimulating, successful and adventurous journey, KK-12). Graduation should be each student’s successful goal and achievement. Education and knowledge open so many doors and opportunities for students. Self-esteem and confidence grow.
My experience on the board at ULUSD has shown me the dedication of the superintendent, all three principals, the teaching staff and all classified staff who together combine their skills, talents and unwavering dedication to all students!
It is a pleasure to see the atmosphere of making the most of each teaching opportunity as they interact with the students. The spirit and joy of a learning environment are truly here at ULUSD. The classroom atmosphere is encouraging and engaging. Even with COVID restrictions the students are shining and successful!
I would greatly appreciate your support and vote to help me continue my commitment to all students at ULUSD.
Our children, our future!
Claudine Pedroncelli lives in Upper Lake, California.
A community outreach volunteer is how I best describe myself. Giving of my time and self is very important to me.
I have been committed to the ULUSD Board and wish to continue my service there.
The students of the district are my inspiration to serve. My desire is for each student to have a stimulating, successful and adventurous journey, KK-12). Graduation should be each student’s successful goal and achievement. Education and knowledge open so many doors and opportunities for students. Self-esteem and confidence grow.
My experience on the board at ULUSD has shown me the dedication of the superintendent, all three principals, the teaching staff and all classified staff who together combine their skills, talents and unwavering dedication to all students!
It is a pleasure to see the atmosphere of making the most of each teaching opportunity as they interact with the students. The spirit and joy of a learning environment are truly here at ULUSD. The classroom atmosphere is encouraging and engaging. Even with COVID restrictions the students are shining and successful!
I would greatly appreciate your support and vote to help me continue my commitment to all students at ULUSD.
Our children, our future!
Claudine Pedroncelli lives in Upper Lake, California.
- Details
- Written by: Claudine Pedroncelli