| Answers to Candidate Questionnaire |
| 1. |
What experience, connections, skills or traits would you bring to the local station board to advance the station's mission? |
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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. |
| 2. |
What do you appreciate and value in the station's current operations? |
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The new manager is a breath of fresh air, and brings positive professional experience which will help the station survive. |
| 3. |
What would you like to see improved or changed in the station's current operations? |
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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. |
| 4. |
Describe what you anticipate would be your top three priorities or areas of focus if you were elected to the local station board. |
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1. Create an improved collegial and respectful atmosphere in board meetings.
2. 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.
3. More imaginative fund-raising AS WELL AS supporting the programmers to make a larger contribution. |
| 5. |
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? |
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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. |
| 6. |
Is there anything else you would like prospective voters to know? |
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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. |
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.