Our Recommended Listener Candidates – 2018

Please rank ALL of these candidates as your top choices (1-9), in any order you prefer, if you are a listener member of KPFT. They are listed here in alphabetical order by last name.

Teresa Allen

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

Because I feel that an informed citizenry is essential to democracy, I have supported KPFT Radio for over 25 years, serving (off and on) the KPFT Local Station Board since 2002. I have served on local committees such as the KPFT Outreach and Development committees, and am proudest of my service to the Pacifica Affiliate and Archives Programs. Founder Lew Hill’s words, “As long as I can communicate, I can create and as long as I can create I am free,” are an inspiration. I seek out problem-solvers, team players and those with the professional expertise as well as a broad range of talents to accomplish goals.

News and public affairs beyond sound-bytes and untainted by corporate influence is our challenge and our joy. I have striven to accomplish the board responsibilities which include determining mission & purpose; selecting, supporting and evaluating the General Manager; planning and implementing goals; monitoring, and strengthening programs and services; ensuring adequate financial resources and providing proper financial oversight and fundraising; strengthening the board; ensuring legal and ethical integrity; and enhancing the organization’s public standing.

Pacifica has 5 stations, an associate station and more than 180 affiliate stations (see www.pacificanetwork.org ). I have visited many community radio stations– where I have seen how other communities have utilized this resource. We can always improve upon KPFT’s programs and services—ever striving for relevance. I look at and listen to the programs of other stations, and bring those ideas to KPFT. I have attended Grassroots Radio Conferences, have been influential in the licensing of two radio stations, and have encouraged others to apply for licenses and participate in community radio– so from the ground up I know how important community radio is and encourage that “can-do” attitude.

The Pacifica Mission includes educating, training, entertaining, encouraging dialogue and certainly empowering people in community. While not serving on the LSB, I have concentrated on fundraising for KPFT and would continue this work. I hope that you will give me your vote.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

I want to be on the Local Station Board to bring financial stability, capable management and continued programming relevance to this station and Pacifica. I hope that my knowledge of Pacifica history will provide stability and focus.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

A. According to our Bylaws, the LSB is a committee of the PNB—Pacifica Foundation holds the license. The LSB must focus on collaboration rather than insubordination, parliamentary manipulation and posturing. In my opinion, we need Bylaws revision to prevent the seating of board members that the KPFT voters did not select and to streamline our committees and subcommittees. B. Select a GM and stop meddling in programming. Help raise enough money to support a capable staff and act with an attitude that attracts other volunteers rather than alienating them. Board members must promote the station (not just one show) and each have a plan and really participate in fundraising. C. The LSB must be truly welcoming rather than just going through the motions. Our LSB work with volunteers is disorganized and inconsistent.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

The station can better serve its listeners with professionalism in management and staffing (we need job descriptions immediately), consistent review for more relevant programming, better use of social media, email blast and cross-promotion, better advance prep for Pledge Drives so we can reduce them, annual surveys for feedback from listeners. Key word is consistency. Also, the LSB could stop its very public criticism of staff, volunteers and each other—which creates ill will all round.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

LSB should set goals for participation at community events—currently there is very poor participation on the Outreach Cmte. Mandatory cross promotion of programs. Goals for diversity on programs. News Department that has goals for coverage of issues in underrepresented communities.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

Grants; more efficient solicitation of money through the website and social media; better use of intern programs; better use of community alliances; GM and development staff should strategically approach big donors outside of pledge drives; written reviews and higher expectations of programmers to bring money in before pledge drives (soliciting patrons, for example, and plans for donations without premiums); more active participation on the Development Cmte. to improve upon fundraisers such as events, raffles and contests.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

BS in Education and Library Science, 10+ years in recreation administration/ programming, co-produced local fundraiser (Millbend Coffeehouse in the Woodlands) every month for 25 years, previously active in Intl. Toastmasters, several Unitarian Universalist churches and a variety of community service projects, started a local Dream Scholarship Program in 2017. Some experience in budgeting, human resources, fundraising, supervision, volunteer recruitment, and conducting meetings.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

I have not missed many meetings in the past- don’t expect to miss many in the future—however torturing board member through numerous unnecessary meetings must stop. We should utilize conference calls if needed as the PNB has requested. We have successfully conducted conference calls for subcommittee and occasionally committee meetings.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

I am not a current LSB member, but have continued participation on the Development and Outreach Cmtes; I would like to serve on Development, MSRC and perhaps Finance Cmte.

Bill Crosier

Bill Crosier

KPFT CANDIDATE STATEMENT

I’m Bill Crosier, a reform candidate for KPFT’s Local Station Board (LSB). I believe strongly in the Pacifica mission, and feel it’s critical that we continue to broadcast programming that other stations refuse to let people hear. KPFT is needed even more today than when it first went on the air 48 years ago. But we also have to solve Pacifica’s very serious financial problems.

I’m asking you to support LSB candidates who:

  • understand that the LSB needs to take on a leadership role in helping KPFT
  • will work to reform our Bylaws to make our boards more functional
  • will fix our broken governance so we can pay off debt that is threatening KPFT’s and Pacifica’s survival
  • can work together for constructive solutions to make our mission statement more than just words on paper – to ensure that many more people know about and listen to the voices and music of those shut out by the corporate media.

I helped stabilize KPFT finances last year, when it was on the verge of financial collapse. KPFT is paying all its bills now. But Pacifica (of which KPFT is a part) has millions of dollars of debt and is in very serious financial trouble. Important – please see RethinkingPacifica.org for more details. It will help you understand why this year’s LSB elections are so important, and why we need to fix our Bylaws so we can get more effective governance, so that in turn we can address our decreasing listenership and revenue – very serious problems. But some board members even want to punish me and others who promote measures to reform our Bylaws.

I have recommended solutions, but the board majority has been unable to act other than to try to reverse reforms made last year. This threatens the survival of all Pacifica stations. There have been heroic efforts by some board members to fulfill their fiduciary duties to keep KPFT and Pacifica strong and to fulfill its mission. But some other board members don’t understand what their role is, and refuse to help with fundraising. Instead of helping the station, they spend time bullying, harassing, slandering, and blaming. We are better than that, and I’m not going to stoop to the Trump-style tactics that they use. We need to work together with others at KPFT to solve problems and grow.

We need more board members who will take the time to understand the root causes of our problems and work to fix them. Our Boards are filled with nice people with progressive views, but some don’t do their homework, disregard warnings about impending problems, and don’t understand why Pacifica’s debt has grown to such frightening amounts.

Please support reform-minded candidates who understand that LSB members need to be leaders, and that their role is not to just complain, but to work to help KPFT!

KPFT CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

1) Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

I want to use my experience and connections to fix problems with our Bylaws, that have in turn led to dysfunctional boards at all stations. I want to lead the LSB and the Pacifica National Board, with the help of new board members who want to assist our stations and who will do more than just talk big. I want KPFT to be the voice of the voiceless, and to make sure that people throughout the Houston area and beyond know that KPFT is the place to hear news, music, public affairs, and arts information that they can’t get anywhere else.

2) How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, KPFT and the community?

KPFT’s LSB should be helping the station and the Foundation so they can provide unique programming for the community, instead of just inventing things for others at our station to do. We have a very small paid staff and we need board members who will help to raise money, do outreach to the community, and more. I’ve put in many hundreds of volunteer hours and want to encourage others to do so, too.

3) How could the station better serve its listeners?

Survey the area – not just current listeners – to determine what needs are not being met, to learn what kinds of programming they’d listen to, and how we can help them. This also would serve to let them know how we already serve the community but could do more – such as by airing Public Service Announcements, and interviews with various non-profits in the area to let people know what they’re doing and how to reach them.

4) Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

See 3) above, and also work with leaders of various organizations throughout our area that are already working with underrepresented communities, to see how we can work together to help KPFT and them, and to increase our diversity.

5) What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel KPFT should solicit?

We should reach out to major donors, to people who have donated to progressive political candidates and other organizations, and work on getting grants (especially after we get caught up with audits – another major problem that should never have occurred). We may also put small ads on our web site (but not from weapons manufacturers, or those with irresponsible human rights or environmental records, etc.). Expanding outreach and listenership is also critical to both our mission and to our finances, as more listeners will lead to more donations, without having to make fund drives longer.

6) Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, work history, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

Professionally, I’ve worked as an engineer for a NASA contractor and as a consultant after that, primarily in the biomedical research field. My engineering background stressed analysis and solutions of complex problems – training and experience that has helped in many other ways. I’ve been involved in political campaigns since the McGovern for President campaign when I was in college, and many others including the campaigns of Jesse Jackson, Jim Hightower, Bernie Sanders, and many more. I was the Southeast Texas coordinator (as a volunteer) for the Kucinich for President campaign. I’ve been President of the Houston Peace and Justice Center (HPJC), and am still on the HPJC Board and also the Board of the Foreign Policy Alliance. I’ve been on and off of KPFT’s LSB and the Pacifica National Board. Because I was one of the main advocates for getting Pacifica’s finances under control, I was asked by my PNB colleagues to be Pacifica’s interim Executive Director in 2017, and I served in that capacity without taking any salary for almost a year, until we could find a professional ED.

7) Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No.

8) On which Local Station Board committees* are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

I am interested in serving on, and have served on, KPFT’s Finance, Outreach, Development, Building/Facilities, and Management Selection and Review committees (although not all at the same time). I will choose which committees to work on next year based partly on where the need is, and how those needs may already be met by other committee members.

Lynden Foley

Lynden Foley

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

My names is Lynden Foley and I am asking for your vote for the Local Station Board (LSB). I am a forty year resident of Houston and have been a KPFT listener and or member for over twenty years. My education is an MBA in Finance and my work history is as a financial analyst and rate and regulatory analyst for natural gas pipelines. I also was a small business owner who imported beer from Cusco, Peru and distributed it throughout Texas until it was absorbed by [a corporation].

I want to be elected to the board because I do treasure KPFT and I think that I can be of help in solving some of KPFT’s and Pacifica’s long standing financial and membership problems. That will be my focus. Democracy Now, Saturday’s music lineup, Eco-ology, Dave Ziren’s show and many more shows and people have been part of my life thanks to KPFT and I want to give back to the community so that I and others can continue to enjoy this unique Houston treasure.

Thank you and please cast your ballot for Lynden Foley.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

It is my desire to help other board members find effective ways to address the membership and financial problems that KPFT and Pacifica are experiencing.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

I envision the Local Station Board (LSB) to be a functioning part of KPFT and to fulfill the job description as given in the candidate packet. In addition I think that the LSB should be an idea generator for problem solving. As stated in the bylaws the KPFT board will have representation on the Pacifica Foundation Board and I would expect that representation to find solutions to the threats to the health of both enterprises through hard work and compromise. The LSB should engage with all the contingents of the greater Houston are that wish to be a part of the KPFT community. This will be a major driver in the health of KPFT going forward.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

I think the first step that KPFT should take to better serve its listning base is to get the KPFT house in order.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

The first action that I would take is to gather information on what the current audience make up is and compare that information to what is being listened to on the airwaves of Houston. I would identify market segments that might be responsive to our mission and prescribe ways that we could help bring our message to them. I belief that with a proper understanding of what is doable we will be able to set benchmarks to measure our progress against.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

I think KPFT should be actively seeking grants. We may need to have someone train for this purpose. I also believe that we should seek a financial whale as long as it doesn’t interfere with our independence.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

I have an MBA in Finance and worked in the natural gas pipeline industry in rates and regulatory. In the same industry I worked as a financial and economic analyst for capital projects and did some marketing and administrative work. For a time I imported beer from Cusco, Peru and distributed it in Texas. I am past treasurer of the Houston Renewable Energy Group (HREG) and the Jersey Village High Scholl theater booster club. My areas of interest are largely music and politics and I want to do some more traveling.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

I think my interests would mainly be served and my strengths utilized if I were to serve on the Membership and Finance Committees.

Adrienne LaViolette

Adrienne LaViolette

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

Things we own in common are important to a democratic world (think Community Radio, pools, parks, water, libraries (remember those?), etc.), and it is important that we, together, not let the objects of democratic life slowly disappear from the public stage. Pacifica is a bastion of free speech in a world of ever increasing “privatization”.

Public things bind us together in our common relationship to them and though we may not always agree on direction, one of the things that democracy does is that it presses us into the friction of engagement with others who may not be entirely like ourselves…and that is a wonderful thing! When you have public things that require shared stewardship, you’re pressed into having to deal with each other and the risk of failing to do so is the loss of the public thing. The world cannot afford to lose Pacifica…it cannot afford to lose TRULY public radio.

I say this to stress two things:

1. It is important to participate in and nurture community radio. I’d like to continue serving as a KPFT Board Member so that I may bring my own unique voice and skills to the table in order to help KPFT become more robust and just plain better in any way I can.

And

2. I’ve served on the Board for the past year. It’s been an ‘eye opening’ experience (to say the least) and not at all what I expected. I joined the Board to do good for Pacifica and KPFT as well as for a sense of community. What I joined however was a Board rife with dysfunction, deep rooted factionalism, comprised of many members desperately holding on to old grudges and past grievances with one another to the point of it obstructing any productivity or positivity. My point in sharing this strange truth with you is to express the need to elect Board Members, who will commit to working WITH one another so that this Board can be useful and productive. I am committed to inclusion, not exclusion.

My voting record and time on the Board speaks for itself: I’ve stood up for justice, Programmer’s rights, transparency, equality, ethics, kindness, morality and fiscal responsibility. It took me a while to figure things out, but I can come to the Board now with a deep understanding of its current “issues” and a renewed willingness to see this Board become something we can all be proud of. Something that actually helps the station and Pacifica achieve its goals!

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

To help the Station and Pacifica achieve its goals.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

To understand the needs of the Foundation, the Station and the Community and leverage Board resources to fulfill those needs.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

By having a robust Community Advisory Board.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

Seek to better understand the deficiencies and seek out suitable ways to correct them.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

KPFT should seek out all sources of funding that do not interfere with its mission. I am particularly interested in helping KPFT apply for Grants and public assistance.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

Critical thinking, , logistics, strategic planning, writing (grant applications).

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

Outreach, MSRC, Governance, Development are all good options. The choice will really depend on where my talents are most needed.

Micheline Milligan

Micheline Milliigan

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

My name is Micheline Milligan. I became a subscriber of KPFT, because I support Pacifica’s mission to provide a sense of community, education, promoting grass roots arts and entertainment, and an outlet for objective comprehensive news broadcasting. I would like to continue this support more proactively by becoming a member of the local station board of KPFT. I enjoy working with people. Getting together with others across all backgrounds, to put our minds together to come up with ways to help and enrich our communities.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

To be able to join together with others to support the local community through broadcasting and education and entertainment.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

I envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation and the community by providing outlets to the community for education in the arts and entertainment fields through workshops, scholarships and awards.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

I think one way the station could better serve it’s listeners by reaching out more to underrepresented communities.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

Reach out to organizations in underrepresented communities to establish relationship with them.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

KPFT should solicit fundraising events as a source of funding

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

I have a A.S. degree in Pre-Pharm, Pre-Vet and Pre-Med. I worked as a Pharmacy Technician for 16 years. I work from time to time for a fundraising company (Fund Resources Inc.) Operating booth and rides. I also worked for 6 years as an Assistant Coordinator for a small business that sponsored a yearly event for which I was also the Vendor Room Coordinator for the event.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No I do not anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

I’m interested in actively serving on the MSRC and Governance committees.

Danae Moreno

Danae Moreno

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

I am Danae Moreno a 23 year old intensive care nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital. As a millenial and healthcare provider I will bring a unique perspective to the board to facilitate better relationships between KPFT public radio and the community. As a millenial I realize how precious public radio is to the community, but also the desperate need to keep it relevant to a generation obsessed with music, apps and social media. I will volunteer my time, ideas, and passion to promote a future filled with peace, positivity, and creativity. I would also work to help public radio promote and educate its listeners on how to access healthcare and the need for preventative services.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

I would like to contribute to public radio and be part of something bigger than myself.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

I envision through volunteering at the local station board we can make positive changes in the community.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

Appeal to the millenials.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

As a 27 year old I can offer suggestions to appeal to millenials.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

T-Shirt fundraisers, Facebook fundraisers, social media exposure.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

A PICO nurse at Texas Children’s, I am interested in healthcare and accessibility in our community.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

MSRC and Governance

Jordan Moreno

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

Jordan Moren

I am Jordan Moreno, as a student at University of Houston Downtown I would like to spread the word of the good that public radio does for our community. I believe that when we come together as a community and serve underprivileged areas we make our world a better place. As a 2nd generation immigrant I believe in equality for all regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or social status. Through volunteering at KPFT I believe my unique perspective will help bring representation to a population that has been underserved and overlooked.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

I would like to contribute to public radio and keep it relevant for future generations.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

The board can promote peace between KPFT, Pacifica, and the community by broadcasting positive messages.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

By appealing to millenials and Hispanic and other minority populations.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

As a Hispanic, Spanish speaker, I can increas the diversity by bringing a unique perspective to the board.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

T-shirt fundraisers, social media marketing and street booths.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

I am currently a student at UHD and am a volunter/mentor for positive black male association.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

MSRC & Governance

Darelle Robbins

Darelle Robbins

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

My name is Darelle Robbins, and I am running to serve again on the KPFT Local Station Board, as a Listener Member. KPFT is a big part of my life, and has been since I moved to Houston 16 years ago. I have been setting my alarm to wake up earlier in the morning for the past year, just so I c an catch the progressive talk shows that air at 5 and 6 am, before the independent news on KPFT. I deeply appreciate the diverse perspectives, even if I don’t always agree with everything that is said. I really value the honest in-depth reporting that is broadcast on KPFT often days or weeks before network news will even touch on the stories. I depend on KPFT for current knowledge and understanding of the issues that we face today. And, I talk about KPFT, and what I have learned from the progressive programming, whenever my friends or fellow citizens care to discuss current evetnws and the role we can play by taking action for a better world. As a KPFT board member, I will continue promoting the station as vitally important in presenting public information on social, political and economic issues. My intention is to support the Pacifica Radio mission of contributing to a lasting understanding between nations and between individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors. My personal goal is to serve on the KPFT board with dignity and grace, and to stay level-headed and kind-hearted even when the collaboration turns contentious.

I have been part of planning and working on several successful fundraisers for KPFT over the years. I came to the KPFT board after serving on the board of the Houston Blues Society. The music programs on KPFT are also a huge part of my life, and my lifestyle. But not just the Blues. I love listening to many of the different diverse music, educational, and talk shows on KPFT, as a window into other vibrant cultures as well as other community and global concerns. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without KPFT. It would be an honor and a privilege to be elected again to the Local Station Board. If you are a current listener member of KPFT, please vote for me, Darelle Robbins as your Number 1 Vote for the KPFT Local Station Board.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

Because by serving on the LSB for our local Pacifica Radio station, I can work with others to help make the world a better place.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

By following the bylaws and focusing on the mission. We will elect local board members to serve on the national board. We will participate in national and local committees. We will reach out to the community to grow listenership and gain member supporters. And we will listen to our community’s concerns and work with them to meet their needs for the news, education, and music programming that they want to be a part of their daily lives.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

Continue to build on the recent improvements in programming, especially how the programmers are cross-promoting other shows. I would also argue that keeping the most popular shows in their consistent time slots give their regular listeners a sense of belonging and loyalty. This consistency helps to grow the listenership.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

I would recommend that we seek out some local informal leaders, or a school in the particular communities, to develop projects for KPFT that are interactive. Probably something through social media on cell phones, and community events with guest speakers, performers, food and/or music. The KPFT mission includes supporting theater and creativity, so this is naturally an important focus for us.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

We should continue to promote the car donations, which have been successful, as well as legacy and planned giving. Ideally, we could recruit a local personality to chair a Gala for some big donors.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

I am a people person with good sense of humor, and a large network of friends. I have experience serving as a board member, and am wiling to give my time and talents. I have been a supporter of several environmental groups for decades, such as the Sierra Club and the Environmental Defense Fund. I practice living a sustainable lifestyle. And I am an active supporter of live local music.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

I have adequate transportation, and will be available on the weekends, and in the evening Monday through Friday. In the years 2013 – 2016, I became primary caregiver for my elderly parents and did miss meetings such that I was unable to continue as a board member. Sadly, my parents have both passed away. Ironically, I am now receiving lots of their mail from conservative political groups that they supported! Therefore, I am acutely aware of what the progressive community is up against these days. So I am stepping back up.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

I am interested in serving on the Outreach and Development Committees.

Sandra Rawline

Sandra Rawline

Listener Candidate Statement for the KPFT Local Station Board

Hello,

My name is Sandra and I am running as a Listener Member for the 2018 election to the Pacifica Foundation / KPFT Local Station Board.

I have served previously as a member of the iLAB (interim Local Advisory Board) when this experiment in democratization began many years ago.

I then served as an elected Listener Member of the LSB for the next 6 years. I served on the Pacifica National Board (PNB) in 2007 on the Finance Committee and again in 2009 as Chair of the Personnel Committee.

When I termed out I took much needed break thinking that other like-minded souls would follow through with what we had started and make things stronger and better as time went on.. but

“That which is the best becomes the worst when misinterpreted or misapplied” – m Montessori

I have watched from the sidelines now for the past 8 years and what I see concerns me greatly.

Our by-laws have been corrupted by folks seeking power and control over our stations with no regard to the fundraising or the basic business management that is required to nurture, grow and move the Pacifica Foundation to serve all our communities as was originally intended.

As before I gave my best good effort and now I’m back and I intend to do all that I can to help save Pacifica so that all people who wish to can enjoy the benefits of the dream that is the Pacifica Foundation.

My name is Sandra D Rawline and I respectfully ask for your input and your vote.

Thank you.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board?

To support the station and help correct the flaws in our by-laws that have allowed a few bad actors to take advantage of the Pacifica Foundation and squander its resources. We currently have LSB members who have abused not only the by-laws but station staff, volunteers, fellow LSB members and the integrity of the Pacifica Foundation.

The LSB needs to be a functional body that supports the many aspects of what the Pacifica Foundation represents. We need to focus on the original ideals and assist station management and staff in providing educational programming, relevant news, music, arts, entertainment and community dialogues without overstepping our role as voluntary caretakers. We must do all we can to ensure that sound business and financial practices are utilized and encourage the best in motivational management and leadership skills.

2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation, your station, and the community?

KPFT Local Station Board members should all be willing to help paid and volunteer staff in all things, be it fundraising, hosting community events, general clean up and maintenance of the equipment and the facilities. Also, see response to #1 above.

3. How could the station better serve its listeners?

We need to enrich the lives of the children and young adults in our communities as they are our future. We must also remain relevant to our elders. We can do this by offering quality programming and having a functional Local Station Board willing to assist station staff and volunteers in offering more community inclusive, educational and fun fundraising events.

4. Describe some actions you would take to increase the influence of the station in underrepresented communities and to increase the diversity of the listening audience?

Invite skilled community members to teach workshops on any number of skills that folks want or need. Work with different areas of our city to create fun evetns that also raise money or otherwise offer our services to worthy causes such as community gardens, conservation of resources and helping those in need.

5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel your station should solicit?

Submit grant requests from other like-minded foundations that offer them. Bring foundation accounting into compliance with California Non-profit and CPB requirements so we can receive CPB funds. Co-sponsor or work with established organizations throughout our community that offer fun and diverse fundraising events listeners want to attend and support.

6. Please state briefly the skills, experience, educational background, workhistory, organizational affiliations, areas of community service, areas of interest and expertise that you would bring to the Pacifica network as a member of the Local Station Board.

I have been here before so I have a working knowledge of what is required of me as a board member. I bring honesty, integrity, compassion and a strong work ethic. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I work in accounting and have great organizational skills. I shop up when needed and do whatever is required to get the work done.

7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?

No.

8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving? If you are a current Local Station Board member, on which committees do you currently serve?

Governance, Finance, Management Selection and Review, Outreach, Development, Elections and Building Committees.