Vote for These Listener Candidates – 2021

We endorse the following Listener Representative candidates for the 2021 KPFT LSB Delegate/Local Station Board (LSB) elections. We’re asking all listener members to please rank ALL of them as your #1 to #10 choices, in any order you wish.

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!

Teresa Allen – outreach & fundraising enthusiast, team builder
Susan Young – experienced community & non-profit organizer
Sean Kelly McPherson – problem solver, attorney, KPFT supporter since high school
Frank Henry Pratka – political union organizer, American Federation of Teachers
Bill Stone – experienced nonprofit board member, mediator & attorney
Ron Stubbers – engineer, writer, proficient board member
Todd Walker – governance & finance experience, entrepreneur
Bob Locander – professor, union officer, author, experienced board member
Jane Scheidler – mediator, coalition-builder, former KPFT programmer
Wendy Schroell – former KPFT staff, non-profit leader, development

Teresa Allen

I have supported KPFT Radio for over 30 years, serving (off and on) the KPFT Local Station Board since 2002. I have served on the PNB as well as local committees such as KPFT Outreach and Development, 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 and have recruited people who respect the Pacifica Mission, 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; ascertainment; selecting, supporting and evaluating the General Manager and Program Director; planning and implementing goals; monitoring and strengthening programs and services; ensuring adequate financial resources; 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 200 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

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I am inclined to constant personal networking and promotion of the station; a positive, hopeful attitude with a touch of skepticism; extensive civic engagement with progressive and nonprofit organizations; fundraising
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
Our former GM was a professional who worked very hard to bring us technologically up to speed and keep us on the air. We have many volunteer programmers who strive for relevant and innovative programming, and despite the pandemic, they strive to raise the money to pay our bills.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
**improved fundraising, increased listenership and membership (& staff to supervise this).
**more relevant Mission-driven public affairs and news programming
**diversity among staff, programmers and volunteers, board, CAB and diversity of ideas in programming
**a program director to lead, communicate with, evaluate, train and assist programmers
**a membership dept. with skills and attitude to serve & communicate with listeners, prevent attrition, & coordinate outreach
**to own a building and equipment that is maintained.
**more programming sent to Pacifica Archives, catalogued and accessible.
**staff and programmers driven to train, cross-train, cross promote and produce shows remotely if necessary, and utilize social media to promote the programming .
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
fundraising & fiscal responsibility
cutting-edge, relevant programming with programmers willing to fundraise
fair governance, with an emphasis upon common ground and cooperative projects
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
Elect only board members who are willing to fundraise as much as they are willing to micro-manage the GM and staff
.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
The interaction on the LSB, especially for the last 2 years, has been caustic and disrespectful, but I must admit that we have always had challenges. The slander, name-calling, innuendo and orchestrated attacks have driven volunteers away. About 15 years ago we had someone monitor our meetings.to maintain nonviolent communication, but lately bullying tactics are an embarrassment. Voters should ask candidates what they have done and would do to work across the aisle.

Bob Locander

My candidacy is based on my life of commitment to public service and the common good. I would feel honored to have voter support in this board election. With my formal background in public education plus my years of past service on various boards, such as AFT-Lone Star College, HCMUD 33, McKamy Meadows CIA, Aldine Little League, and St. Edward Catholic School, I feel well qualified to address the current problems facing KPFT. Budgets, expenditures, and constituent services are not quick fix policy decisions, but the new board will have to come up with some immediate answers if KPFT is to be around for another 50 years. I hope to become a member of such a problem solving board.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I think my life experiences would put me in position to be a positive force on the board. I have been a student who earned three college degrees, an Army officer, a husband and father, a university professor, a labor union leader, a member of multiple community boards in Harris and Montgomery Counties, a co-author of a Texas politics book.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
I am in awe of the commitment and professionalism of the volunteers making up the KPFT family that make the station so great.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
The station needs a full time executive director in a salaried position.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
KPFT needs money, money, and more money to continue as a broadcasting organization.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
The listener funding source alone will not put the station on firm financial ground. Other capital sources must be found for KPFT to continue to operate. Like it or not, government and nongovernment grants, big check writers, and nonpolitical and noncorporate underwriters have to be found.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
If elected, I will not run for a second term.

Sean Kelly McPherson

I probably first heard KPFT in 1970, because I heard about its bombing and figured anything worth being bombed was worth finding and listening to- I was 12 years old.

I made my first of many contributions when I was in high school, drawn by the live benefit shows at Liberty Hall. It has introduced me to everything from blue grass to Elvis’ gospel back in the day to Generasian Radio and Connect the Dots today, with so much in between.

Even as a regular member and contributor, I will admit to having taken it somewhat for granted, confident that the alternative voices would be there for those who cared to listen.

The last few years have thrown that into much doubt,and now the dissension and division we see in the national and state politics are reflected in Pacifica- and I hate it. Paciica and KPFT will not, cannot, survive at this rate, and you and I cannot take it for granted.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
Thirty plus years of practicing law, which – in my case, anyway – largely consists of problem solving for folks faced with problems greater than they can deal with by themselves- legal, financial, family, personal.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
Just about everything- even the stuff I don’t listen to, even the stuff I listen to without necessarily agreeing; From “Thinkwing” to Brother Muhammad connecting the dots in his way, it’s valuable and informs my own thinking- even if/when I disagree with something in particular. We need more of that, not less.
And there’s not enough room here for me to go off on all the music which will likely never reach commercial radio.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
I’ve advocated for some time to renew live remote broadcasting. I would never have found Liberty Hall, much less sneaked in underage to see Fever Tree or Roky Erickson, without KPFT. More recently, Joe’s Roadhouse which, for reasons of politics I still don’t understand, was discontinued, when it, too, could have been used effectively for membership drives. Why we don’t remotely broadcast live from St. Patrick’s Day parades, or from the International Festival, or from the Westheimer Art Festival, etc., is beyond me.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
- New membership. Our listenership is aging, and not being replenished with younger, new members.
- Fiscal management. We are in dire straits, and it’s not only because of the downturn in membership.
- Not to beat a drum which I may have already worn out- but did you read my comments about remote broadcasting?
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
I would be lying if I said I had the answer. And my comments regarding fiscal management notwithstanding, I stand in the shoes of most listeners, in that I have an imperfect understanding of the minutia of the budget. As with most listeners, “I only know what I hear on the radio.” Clearly, what we’re doing is insufficient. As a member of the LSB, I believe I can help.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
I’m only sorry that it’s taken me this long to try to become more involved. Don’t hold it against me- I’m here now.

Frank Henry Pratka

My reason for running is to help keep Pacifica stations, specifically my station, KPFT, independent and listener sponsored. I have been an on air and online listener and supporter for many years and think Houston and all of Texas needs an independent voice examining and reporting on events of the day. Also, the music on KPFT is better than any other station and I want to help keep it that way.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I think I know how to work with groups of people to reach a common goal. I have spent almost forty years as a union political organizer and I believe I’ve learned how to bring people together. Those are traits that should benefit a board with diverse backgrounds and opinions and ultimately get something done.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
I appreciate that it is independent of corporate sponsors. I also appreciate that I hear programs like Democracy Now and music (zydeco!) that is not on any other station in Houston.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
As a listener I am quite satisfied with the current programming and don’t have specific changes in mind at this point.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
To keep the music and programming as diverse as the City of Houston. To keep programming focused on things that matter to everyday life, political and cultural coverage on the local, state and national level.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
Everybody can give something. More public events where to proceeds would go to the station. We all want less on-air fundraising so other options should be thoroughly discussed by the Board.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
It would be an honor to help KPFT continue another fifty years!

Wendy Schroell

Losing KPFT is not an option. We got this, y’all. Together we can do it!

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I love getting people involved in KPFT. I have held paid staff positions at the station twice and have worked with great boards and not so great boards in my professional career I have served 3 terms on the Local Station Board and 5 terms on the Pacifica National Board and worked for the Orange Show for 12 years
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
It’s people. The resilience of the programmers and the volunteers and the teeny staff to keep KPFT going through it all
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
Must raise money and get the station moved to new digs. I would like to see less Infighting and more attempts to resolve issues internally before taking them to the streets
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
Fundraising, New Building, Supporting management in doing its job
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
Communication with our people is key

Jane Scheidler

I conceived and developed “Talk of the Earth” for KPFT. It was the first environmental issues talk show in Houston, and one of the first anywhere. The show won a media award from The Park People in Houston.The show was notable because it featured guests from all sides of environmental issues. I received the United States Committee for the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Award as Environmental Achiever for grassroots communication having an impact on global environment. I have frequently been recognized for my ability to coordinate divergent interests and build consensus. I developed and managed a project called the “Texas Two-STEP” which brought together local nonprofits, community volunteers, local government, state agencies and military reserves to provide water and wastewater services to underserved communities. This program was nominated for an Innovations in American Government Award.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I have an exceptional ability to listen in a meeting and extract ideas, then build them into consensus. I have extensive experience in nonprofit organizations. I have been an officer, Board member, and volunteer as well as an employee of groups such as Houston Audubon Society, the Humane Society of the US, the Texas Small Towns Environment Program, The Wildlife Refuge Reform Coalition and HEART (Help Endangered Animals Ridley Turtles). I have also served in government, both as an employee and as an elected official. I have a proven track record of accomplishment in creating consensus, recruiting, coalition building, and community outreach.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
The new manager is a breath of fresh air, and brings positive professional experience which will help the station survive.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
We need to find an affordable physical location for the studios. I would like to see the station’s programmers, volunteers and staff at all neighborhood events, from the Third Ward to Memorial Drive. KPFT needs to be more visible all over Houston. Arousing that curiosity by being visible will drive people to listen and contribute to the station.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
- Create an improved collegial and respectful atmosphere in board meetings.
- Create focus and consensus within the board on immediate needs and reduce squabbling over pet projects and issues that do not support the mission of the station.
- More imaginative fund-raising AS WELL AS supporting the programmers to make a larger contribution.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
- Step One: Admitting there is a problem. The financial sustainability of the station is the most important thing going on right now.
- Step Two: Hold Board members strictly accountable for doing their personal part in fund-raising. That is ALWAYS a responsibility of a Board member of any nonprofit.
- Step Three: Consider underwriting as a revenue stream.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
KPFT needs to take itself more seriously as a significant participant in the WHOLE community of Houston. Currently, there is a whiff of self-indulgence in the programming as well as how we present ourselves to the community.

Bill Stone

Hello and thank you for your support of Pacifica and our local station. I have not run for the LSB before and am doing so now because Pacifica and its Mission Statement are things I believe in strongly.

I am a native Texan and have lived in the Houston area for most of the time after completing my post graduate education here. I am an estate planning attorney and a Registered Investment Advisor. I am a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Houston Law Center. I have served on various Boards and Commissions for close to 25 years with the City of Bellaire where I have lived since 1980.

Our Board needs to stay faithful to its purpose and to provide guidance to those who run and operate KPFT as they navigate from the past national election and the financial struggles that have plagued most of the sister stations for years now. I see my role and duties as assisting the general manager and program director, and to let them make the decisions that they are charged with performing.

I think I can properly review KPFT’s budget, and am eager and willing to participate in town halls, fundraising, and in providing out reach to all of our communities.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I believe that I can help with my skills as a practicing attorney
and a trained mediator. I also have extensive experience in serving on volunteer boards and commissions in the City of Bellaire, where I have lived for over 40 years. Some of those boards were the Charter Review Commission, Planning and Zoning and the Recycling Committee.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
The people I have worked with on fund drives are great to work with, and I have always looked forward to being on site to help in any way I can.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
I am not sure I know all about KPFT’s current operations, especially in light of the pandemic and its effect on operations, but I believe with a strong LSB it can be improved and that it can be made to deal with all issues that occur.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
I think, and not in any particular order, that financial matters, community outreach, and seeking a stable environment will work wonders for KPFT.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
It seems clear that we must consider all alternatives to finding ways to increase revenue and to have a plan to stop bleeding red ink.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
In addition to practicing law, I am a Registered Investment Advisor for a private independent broker dealer. I have handling my clients’ investments and monies since 1988, and that has given me an idea on how to plan wisely.

Ron Stubbers

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. From the Prison Show to Arab Voices to Pan African Journal KPFT gives a voice, and in so doing lets others hear.

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.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I am an organizer and a planner, and above all a listener. I believe in the station’s mission and will bring my experience as a manager and executive to providing support for the station’s mission, management, and people.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
KPFT currently runs programming that can’t be found anywhere else in the city or that your radio dial can bring in. Voices are heard, from public and community affairs to music commercial stations won’t touch. These voices are brought to you through a unique organization that deserves to be protected and preserved and cared for over the long run by people who give their time and energy and money to make the station the star that it is.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
The members of KPFT work hard to make it what it is today, from the bottom to the top. The station should continue to give voice to the full range of voices, musical, dramatic, and across cultures and focus. Investigate alternative methods of outreach for increased membership.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
1) Evaluate fundraising status, possibilities, and review fiscal responsibility.
2) Programming that is relevant and vibrant but can drive membership and fundraising.
3) Listen, evaluate, formulate, articulate, and implement within the board’s mandate.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
Understanding current status and upcoming events are important. Most important is understanding the flow required for fiscal sustainability, and where we now are with respect to that required flow. Important decision-making follows this analysis. What follows is work on how to improve the financial footing to relieve the stress, and also allowing more freedom in choices.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
I’m happy to have been a listener and sustaining supporter of the station, and even more happy to step up and add my experience, skills, and energy to KPFT as an LSB member.

Todd Walker

I think that the unique blend of off-beat musical shows and the diverse talk show offerings by KPFT fill a niche in this area that is only partially addressed by National Public Radio. KPFT adds a much needed local focus to this market. I think I can do my part to support it by bringing years of experience as an attorney in the areas of corporate governance and finance to the board.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I have served as corporate secretary to three public companies. That function is primarily concerned with the operation of the board and compliance with corporate governing documents and laws. Otherwise my primary focus was on finance and securities matters.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
As I said, I think the station provides a needed local focus, as well as entertainment and information, particularly relating to music, that you don’t get elsewhere in this market.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
No opinion on this at this time.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
Governance and finance.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
I won’t know until I see the books.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
Not at this time.

Susan Young

I first got involved with Pacifica when I worked on the Cities for Peace initiative with Sissy Farenthold. I served for six years on the initial LSB, for one year as Vice Chair, three years as Chair and one on the PNB. I then served on the ACLU TX board of directors for 10 years when we built a diverse and active board and increased staff from 10 to 60. I have the knowledge and skills to help save Pacifica and protect KPFT. That is what is at stake in this election. I will support the democratic majority that voted for new bylaws by immediately moving for their implementation.

Answers to Candidate Questionnaire

What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station’s mission?
I have 30 years of governance and management experience on boards of progressive organizations in including 6 years on the KPFT LSB, one year on the PNB, 10 years on the Board of the ACLU TX and 6 years on Sisters United Alliance, a GOTV PAC targeting women who have not voted.
What do you appreciate and value in the station’s current operations?
Dedicated efforts of many volunteers who make exceptional programming possible in public affairs, community issues and music, especially featuring local artists and special genres like blues, Celtic, Asian and Latin.
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station’s current operations?
Advancing the mission depends on attracting listeners and our listenership has been declining. A good mix of programming of high quality is critical, So is reducing the number of days dedicated to on air fund raising. Change in governance that puts the entire organization on a firm financial footing and refocuses board efforts on policy, oversight and resource development and on supporting not sabotaging professional staff.
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board.
Support implementation of the New Day Pacifica Bylaws. That action is the clearest path to saving Pacifica and KPFT. Within that overall goal, protecting KPFT and saving the national archive are my two top priorities.
Sustainability is an important part of any nonprofit operation. What are your thoughts on how the board can help to improve the station’s financial footing?
The Pacifica National Board needs to be reformed for several reasons. Funders have no confidence that their funds will be used well. In fact, the bylaws create unnecessary and self defeating procedures that prevent good decision making and increase costs exponentially. Building back listenership is essential for the mission to succeed and for the financial base to be secure.
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know?
This is the time to vote for an LSB with responsibility and strong capabilities. Electing the same angry activists will condemn Pacifica and KPFT to destruction.