LSB Candidates We Endorse – 2024

We are endorsing ten Listener Representative candidates (below) for the 2024 KPFT Delegate/Local Station Board (LSB) elections. We’re asking all listener members to please rank ALL of them as your #1 to #10 choices on your ballot, in any order you wish.

Why Vote?

This election is critical to protect KPFT’s bank accounts, building, staff, and programming. We need to elect effective people to KPFT’s LSB to put effective Directors on the Pacifica National Board, who can address Pacifica’s severe financial and governance crises. We also need LSB members who will keep management who understands that quality, well-produced programming is key to attracting listeners and donors. Please VOTE for candidates endorsed by Move KPFT Forward, as listed below.

Ballots

Online voting credentials were sent to all members on Aug. 15 to the email address and by text to the mobile number in KPFT’s records, from the Pacifica elections system, and will be sent again by email each Monday. So please watch for that and fill out your ballot online when you get that email and/or text. You may search your emails received on Aug. 15 (or any Monday after that) for one from “Pacifica Foundation Inc” from the email address “invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com”, with subject line “Reminder: Pacifica Foundation Inc – 2024 Local Station Elections”.

If you did not get online voting information, look for something via USPS mail sent in mid-August, in case KPFT does not have your email address. If you still did not get voting information, fill out this official Pacifica Elections ballot request form to request a replacement ballot via the Pacifica elections system, and be sure to read and follow the directions carefully

Listener members may vote for only Listener candidates. Staff members may vote for only staff candidates. Only listener candidates are on this page.

It is very important to rank each of these candidates, not just your top one or two or three choices.

We believe all of these will be good members of KPFT’s Local Station Board and have the experience and skills to help Move KPFT Forward!

Click on any of their names for a photo and more information.

  • Susan Young Experienced community & non-profit organizer
  • Sean Kelly McPherson – Problem solver, attorney, KPFT supporter since high school
  • Anita Long – Producer, educator, storyteller, filmmaker, social entrepreneur
  • Jane Scheidler – Mediator, coalition-builder, former KPFT programmer
  • Rhonda Garner – past KPFT programmer, office manager, fundraiser
  • Arjumand Mubaarak – Board member of several organizations
  • Colby Wright – Experienced political organizer, Marketing/branding specialist
  • Ron Stubbers – Engineer, writer, proficient board member
  • David Van Riper – Experienced administrator & board member, Analytical problem-solver
  • Melissa Buie – Spiritually motivated in solving community challenges

Endorsers

The following are some of the many people, including KPFT program hosts, who are endorsing these candidates:

  • Duane Bradley
  • Bill Crosier
  • Pat Greer
  • Rick Heysquierdo
  • Hank Lamb
  • Wally James
  • Pete Little
  • Nancy McAfee
  • James Nagel
  • Rick Norris
  • Nuri Nuri
  • Gordon Quan
  • Tom Richards
  • Freddie Rothstein
  • Egberto Willies

Also, AFTER you vote, please fill out our short KPFT member survey, to help us and our LSB better understand your interests and priorities.


Below are the candidates we are endorsing for the 2024 KPFT Delegates/Local Station Board (LSB) Elections. Please vote for ALL of them (IMPORTANT) and rank them on your ballot from 1 to 10 in any order that you wish.


Susan Young

Susan Young photo

I am Susan Young, a candidate for KPFT Delegate. I served on the KPFT Local Station Board for six years when it was first founded. I am now serving a 3-year term and am seeking reelection. Last year I Chaired the KPFT LSB. This year I am chair the National Board.

I am retired having worked in advertising, government and investment banking. I have worked with many non-profits as Executive Director or Board member including ACLU TX, Houston Housing Finance, Miller Theatre, the international Sister Cities program, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Houston Museum District. I have lived on all coasts of the US and in Paris, Geneva and Beirut.

KPFT is one of the reasons I decided to stay in Houston since 1984. I ran for the newly formed Local Station Board having relied on Democracy Now and the Daily Show for truth about the run up to the Iraq War as the insane response to the 9/11 attack. I believe that the international dislocations caused by this disastrous war have led to the rolling collapse of Democracy we are seeing now.

And Texas is on the front line of the destructive forces turning this nation into a collection of state-run gulags. KPFT is on the front line of the fight in Texas — the only Pacifica station in a red state, 54 years strong having survived two attacks by the KKK. In 2022, a collection of dedicated volunteers saved KPFT from being sold out from under us by the national board. Now KPFT is an example of how to turn the failing stations around that are causing Pacifica to be insolvent.

This is a crucial time when the ability of Pacifica to survive and reinvent itself in a new media and technology environment and engage a younger and more diverse listener base is being tested. Many years of bad management, bad governance and bad programming have created an existential challenge but also the opportunity for transformative change.

The debates around how to do this are heated. Serving on the local station board and national board is not easy and requires a thick skin, determination and dedication to basics — suiting up, showing up, paying the bills and supporting exciting radio that serves the mission.

I ask for your vote, but also that you read the statements of those who are running and inquire with friends about those candidates. It takes a team to make the change we need at the local and national levels Candidates who understand the challenge, have useful skills and are ready to take on tough challenges — those who focus on goals and common sense and not on factional fights about bylaws and Roberts Rules of Order. The purpose of radio is radio, not arcane disputes in the narrow silos of factional loyalty.

KPFT has been showing the way forward. Please vote to continue these efforts to take the good news to Pacifica on the east coast and west coast.


Sean Kelly McPherson

Sean McPherson photo

My dad came home from work when I was 12 years old, said that a radio station on Market Square had been bombed. We learned it had been bombed by the KKK, as was the subsequent bombing a couple months later. I figured then, and I figure now, that any station worth the KKK bombing has to be worth listening to, and have done so ever since.

Sure, I enjoy the music programming (and lets be honest, that’s what generates pledges and membership), but those same pledges help keep community and cultural programming on the air as well, which are no less valuable. You might say it’s a matter of connecting the dots.

Over the last four years, we’ve been able to bring KPFT back from the brink of financial disaster, and today we are the only station operating in the black, paying its bills and meeting its obligations. Programming has been the engine that accomplished that.

The job is not finished, if it ever can be, but we need to continue working, increasing listenership and thereby membership; we need to be reach a point at which we can retain a regular General Manager; and we need to have sufficient resources to sustain us in the inevitable event of an emergency.

We can do that, but it takes wiling spirits, teamwork and cooperation amongst folks with differing viewpoint but the same goal – not mere survival but a thriving KPFT with roots and reach into the community.

I want to help.


Anita Long

Anita Long

I am Anita Long, a resident of Houston since 2006. Previously, I lived and worked in California, but Texas is home. I am deeply dedicated to the principles of peace, the arts, media, and the profound Black history in Texas. As a devoted community advocate, I strive to contribute tangible skills and unwavering commitment to my work. KPFT and its advocacy for the people and their voices is compelling to me. This is why I believe this could be a good fit for me at this stage in my life.

In addition to my work in media, I advocate for justice, equanimity, and understanding among the diverse people in our community. As an educator, I encourage the young to embrace compassion and engage in various areas. I am committed to finding ways for people to come together, learn about each other, and foster shared hopes and desires for the future. I am optimistic about the potential for positive change and believe in the power of community-driven initiatives to create lasting impact.

I am a multifaceted producer, educator, storyteller, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur dedicated to shaping the next generation of responsible storytellers. With over three decades of experience, I have driven impactful National Service-Learning initiatives, emphasizing socially responsible content. My work focuses on bringing diverse voices to the forefront, ensuring that underrepresented communities have a platform to share their stories.

I own Long and Company and the Ink Spots Museum, both of which have played significant roles in my career. I have earned recognition from esteemed institutions like the Smithsonian, highlighting the importance of my work. I have used information technology to drive positive societal change, with my work published in the Library of Congress and featured in over 30 museums and libraries nationwide. This recognition has motivated me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in media and education.

A recent accomplishment is the production of a six-year documentary exploring 150 years of history and traditions. This documentary includes interviews with over 400 cross-generational community members in Brenham, TX. Creating this documentary was both challenging and inspiring, as it provided a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural and historical fabric of the community.
I am a former president of Women in Film and Television Houston and past vice-president of the Federation of Houston Professional Women. These roles have allowed me to advocate for greater representation and support for women in the industry. I currently serve on the Board of Compassionate Houston, producing “Sowing Seeds of Compassion,” an initiative focused on supporting vulnerable populations, strengthening communities, promoting entrepreneurship, bringing fresh food to market, and fostering environmental stewardship.

Through my various roles and initiatives, I have worked towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By fostering understanding and compassion, I believe we can build stronger, resilient communities. My commitment to these principles is unwavering, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue this work with KPFT, an organization that shares my values and dedication to community advocacy.


Jane Scheidler

Jane Scheidler photo

As a former programmer, I believe I have an excellent view of the “big picture” of KPFT.

In addition to KPFT, I have also served on several other Boards over the years, bringing knowledge and skill of inclusion as well as orderly procedure. I served on the Board of Houston Audubon Society as VP of Environmental Affairs during a critical time for environmental activity, forging bonds with industry as well as many local environmental groups such as Bayou Preservation Association and Sierra Club. I was able to use my radio show to bring forward many viewpoints and a spirit of cooperation. (You might be able to tell I am more of a public affairs girl than a music girl!) During one activity, we brought together several hundred volunteers from community groups and local employers to plant a record number of trees on the banks of Buffalo Bayou. For organizing this, I received a United Nations Environment Programme “Global 500 Achiever Award”. Only 500 of these have been awarded globally.

I also served as the Washington DC lobbyist for the Wildlife Refuge Reform Coalition, part of the Humane Society of the US, another example of my track record in building and maintaining coalitions of interest. More recently, I founded Forgotten Felines of Texas, with the mission of education and assistance to community cats, focused on spaying and neutering services for community cats and support to people who help them. Having been associated with KPFT for over 30 years, I am honored to bring my organizational experience to continue to serve our diverse community.


Melissa Buie

Melissa Buie

Spiritually motivated in solving community challenges. Cleaning the world by focusing on what’s inside a person, with the hope of creating a better environment constructed by biophylic design. (this means making america green again).

My skill sets are. Quality Assurance. Data Entry. Research. Compliance Operations. Sales. Costumer Service oriented. Accuracy in detail inspections and collections. Challenge Theory. Problem Solver and Decision Maker. Leadership. Project Organizer and most important… Listener.

I love being behind the scenes. Im a hard worker in setting up to finish the mission (task). I get excited when im tasked with an assignment that pulls us together as a human race. To be challenged is a motivator an honor for me put my best self forward. To shine is my greatest aspect in making someone smile brings me joy knowing that they are pleased with my work. Being apart of a team that shares a mission of positivity is why i desire to join KPFT. My desire is to build with persons who don’t share my personal space in order to solve life’s biggest fears.

My desire to run was inspired by the peoples station and Egberto Willies. I also love the business and money show as it helped me to solve my own small business needs. Although i still need help in these areas, kpft saved me a couple of hundreds by just listening to the show. I’ve never ran for anything in my life, but i feel this is a great place to start.

My strength is being honest with my words regardless of unseen opportunities. Some will say this is not a good thing as I’m always being told girl… learn how to lie. This actually pains my gut and stays on my consciousness until i fix it. My challenge is procrastinating when I’m down, meaning it may take me more than a day to get back on my grind when i feel I’ve been mistreated or misunderstood in a matter that I care deeply about.

I am leaning several languages (Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Haitian creole) through Pemsler and Duo (that damn bird!).

I love wu-tang movies and John Wick. While I may be unqualified to run for President, this years candidates has put me one or two steps closer to a possible reality.

I have great ideas that may be important in continuing Houston utopia. I want to be apart of something great as every organization i am apart of, I heard it on 90.1. Without spewing my whole life, I will say that volunteering for you will be the least that i can do as you have done so much for me. Thank you.


Arjumand Mubaarak

Arjumand Mubaarak

Pacifica Radio/KPFT brings to mind a maverick mind set, independence and fresh open discussions.

As a board member of several organizations, I am driven by my commitment to make a difference, i.e., the Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world”, including a technical college board, a radio station for the blind, homeowners association boards, environmental board, the arts board and political organization board.

In addition to board level strategic work, I’m willing to get dirty and do the grunt work, if needed, for marketing, promoting, recruiting volunteers, fundraising, and/or networking as a board member..

I would like to bring my skills, experience and fresh prospective to help Pacifica/KPFT to grow and continue to make a difference in Houston.

Vote for growth. Vote to make a difference. I ask that you… Vote for me.

Thank you.


Colby Wright

Colby Wright photo
Colby Wright

I can’t quite pinpoint the moment I discovered this wonderful station, but 90.1 FM has been my number one favorite for well over a decade. You get music that you won’t hear on Clear Channel stations, discussions you won’t hear on AM radio, and news you won’t hear on NPR. I always tell people, “If you don’t like what you hear on 90.1, give it about an hour, and you’ll hear something else.”

KPFT is more to me than just a radio station. It is a community that I want to see thrive. I have donated to this station for years, I paid it a visit on the new location’s grand opening, and I have been known to call in to a few shows.

As a political activist, KPFT helped me get my feet off the ground. During the Pandemic-era board election, I was the station’s Local Election Supervisor. I learned about democracy on a small scale, and how the station boards operate. Today, I am a Precinct Chair, a delegate, and campaign manager for a candidate in the Democratic Party.

I have a background in marketing and brand development, and I think KPFT could use my skills where applicable. Please vote for me for Listener Board.


Ron Stubbers

Ron Stubbers photo

I am asking you to vote for me as a listener-member of the KPFT Local Station Board. As a long-time listener and a sustaining member of KPFT, I would love to apply my skills and experience to help the station. I’m an organizer and a leader, and can apply my skills as an engineer, manager (including an MBA from our very own University of Houston), executive, and corporate board member.

I understand, based on years of experience both reporting to and being on boards, how a board works with management and within the financial, by-law, people, and other constraints that exist. The board is also responsible for looking outward to how funds can be raised, what relationships can be formed, and what can be done to strengthen the organization’s position.

The GM and others at the station are tasked with specific programming and day to day decisions, where the board’s job is to support them through policy, sound guidance, and providing, finding or otherwise enabling resources.

Pacifica is unique in the country, and KPFT is unique in Houston. Nowhere else on your radio dial can you find the breadth of music and programming, from public affairs across languages to news to the so-important community access.

Any time you tune in, you will find someone pouring their heart and soul into their show. As an LSB member I would work to enable these people, supporting the Pacifica Mission and supporting the station’s management.

My experience managing small companies is getting people who don’t agree working toward a common goal, part of which is raising sufficient funds to support operations. Policy, outreach, and fundraising are areas of work that support the station and I’m ready to help.


Rhonda Garner

Rhonda Garner

Greetings, and thank you for reading my candidate statement.

As a native Houstonian, I started listening to KPFT as a teen in 1978 and began contributing financially in 1989. I am an independent thinker and voter who values justice, history, education, politics, discourse, art, music, culture, activism, and kindness.

Recently retired after having worked in the non-profit sector for four years (The Pacifica Foundation), as well as several decades in dental practice management, consulting, and patient education.

I have enjoyed serving as a volunteer in the past at Montrose Grace Place, in hospice care, and of course KPFT. I came to KPFT as volunteer producer via Rick Heysquierdo’s long-running program The Lone Star Jukebox. I then went on to host and produce a program of my own for KPFT, called RadioACTIVE, as well as an award winning monthly segment known as The Sugarhill Sessions.

In the past I have served on both the Local Station Board, the Pacifica National Board, and have been a member of probably all of the various KPFT committees at one time or another.

Over the years as a KPFT volunteer I have answered phones and taken pledges in on-air fund drives since 1998, and I actually hope that KPFT returns to on-air drives at the station in the future. I have had the pleasure of organizing numerous fundraisers for KPFT as both a volunteer on my own and as a paid staffer.

When elected I look forward to becoming a member of the KPFT outreach and finance committees. I would also like to volunteer to assist the membership department with lapsed sustainers and expired/declined credit card donations. My experience as staff in membership for KPFT resulted in our station having the highest A/R collection rate in the Pacifica Network.

I am happy and relieved to know that KPFT has secured a new property for the station and is currently meeting its financial obligations to the Pacifica network. With that said, I believe our beloved radio station is still stuck in survival mode. If we are to truly thrive I believe efforts must be made to grow and foster a new generation of listener supporters. New revenue streams must be developed.

My previous experience with KPFT shows that I have the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for KPFT Board membership and that I am up for these challenges.

Thank you for your consideration.

Rhonda Garner


David Van Riper

David Van Riper photo
David Van Riper

I have been a listener sustainer member for over 30 years. I love the blues and all of the other shows on KPFT. I am a musician and music lover. I want to serve my community and the station to bring community radio and to give a voice to those who may not have another platform.

i am a Air Force veteran. I have lived in Houston since 1967. My father worked at NASA and retired. I have worked in Public Service as a water operator Director of municipal utilities for the City of Galveston, and Public Works Director for Lake Jackson, Pearland, and now Deer Park. I run the Houston marathon every year. My hobbies are playing music, exercise cooking and SCUBA.