No matter on which side of this issue one resides, we must all acknowledge the positive contributions Ms. Kernes has made to Kenai Peninsula Public Broadcasting. Her technical knowledge, administrative expertise and grant-writing skills have brought KBBI fully into the digital age with a new transmitter and broadcast studios any station would be proud to own.

Her financial savvy and attention to detail appears to leave KBBI facing the future in sound fiscal condition. KDLL continues to grow and mature into the full service community station we strive to become. One can only wish Ms. Kernes success and good fortune in her future undertakings.

Change is inevitable, and now seems to be the right time for Ms. Kernes to step down. She leaves behind a competent and dedicated staff who will be much needed in the days ahead. Indeed, a new era is dawning at KBBI. With a new board, programming director and general manager, there is an opportunity for tremendous growth and change. It is up to all of us who love KBBI to make sure it is a positive experience. It's time to leave behind the contentious issues of the past, which have only served to hurt and divide the community. Continuing to find blame and fault will only further tarnish the station and undo the good works achieved by all.

Attending the March 4 KBBI board meeting and the recent joint work session of both boards has given me a chance to get to know and work with the new KBBI board. I can assure all who are concerned that KBBI is in good hands. The current board is composed of intelligent, competent and dedicated individuals who are there because they care deeply about KBBI and public radio. In no way would I characterize KBBI's board as dysfunctional or bogged down. It takes time for a new board to get its bearings and learn the job. They are up to the task.

Our board was astonished to the point of laughter at the recent suggestion of the impending takeover of KBBI by KDLL. The allegation seems like a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. The KDLL board has long been concerned that KBBI would swallow up our fledgling station and leave us as a repeater of Homer programming. All we have ever asked is to be provided with the best station we can afford. Like you folks in Homer, we in the central peninsula desire a station that reflects the character of our individual community and provides its supporters with an opportunity to participate inits success.

Our boards now have in place a joint committee charged with reviewing and updating the Local Management Agreement, which binds our stations together. I am confident the committee will succeed in forging a fair and equitable agreement to continue our mutually beneficial association. With the never-ending budget cuts looming at the state and federal level, it is imperative for us to take advantage of the efficiencies and savings available by working together and combining resources.

We all need to take a moment, stand back and appreciate the fine public radio stations enjoyed in our respective communities. This success was achieved not only with a skilled professional management and staff but with the support of a community that places a high value on its participation in listener-supported public radio. Now is the time for all of us to step forward and continue this tradition with our hard work and high intentions.

Roger Boyd has been on the board of Pickle Hill Public Radio for the past two years. He has lived in the central peninsula for 25 years and is a general contractor and father of two teenage sons.