• Audio Statement: Download or Stream to Media Player (mp3 format)
• Nomination Statement
• Candidate Questionnaire

I am a 40 year veteran of the Civil Rights Movement and a 25 year grassroots activist in the formal arena of electoral politics (Democratic Party). I am a member of Media Action Marin, Marin ACLU Board Member, and Social Justice Center of Marin Vice Chair. Former board memberships include the Mexican Museum, YWCA of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin, Inter Alumni Council of the United Negro Colleges, and Marin Abused Women's Services. I am running to further and complete the democratization of KPFA. The KPFA community is at a crossroads. We face the question of whether we shall remain committed to the principle of participatory democracy that was our collective response to the 1999 crisis or retreat from it.

My goal is to expand KPFA listenership, strengthen the station's fundraising base and simultaneously make KPFA more responsive and relevant to the communities it serves. An important part achieving this objective is to cultivate a form of governance that engages the community in a way that ensures full enfranchisement of its listener/supporters. I have watched the local station board attempt to steer the station down this path during the last three years but the growing pains are evident and there is a real tension between the two perspectives of "We know what's best for you - let me fill your mind" wherein the listeners are seen as passive supplicants; and "you have a valued perspective and we want to be a partner in actualizing your needs," wherein the station remains responsive to the needs of the listeners and wider community. This is evidenced in the following questions asked of the LSB candidates. "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?"

This question reflects a very colonial perspective. In my mind the KPFA community is composed not only of listeners per se, but members of the community who benefit from or contribute to the impact that KPFA has on public policy and cultural discourse. Despite the many obstacles we face in achieving these objectives, I am optimistic about the potential for their realization.

I am a candidate on the Alliance for a democratic KPFA slate.

My endorsements include: Marin Peace and Justice Coalition; Media Action Marin; Willie L. Pelote Sr., Political Director AFSCME; Peter Phillips, Director of Project Censored; Pierre La Bossiere.

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

I am running to further and complete the democratization of KPFA. The KPFA community is at a crossroads. We face the question of whether we shall remain committed to the principle of participatory democracy that was our collective response to the 1999 crisis or retreat from it. My goal is to expand KPFA listenership, strengthen the station's fundraising base and simultaneously make KPFA more responsive and relevant to the communities it serves.

Over the course of the last 3 years I have attended many of the LSB meetings and have been struck by the lack of respect shown between the LSB members and the listeners in the audience. Further the inability to accomplish any significant work has astounding ramifications. An example of paralyzing antics occurred at the September LSB meeting where at least 80% of the Board including the Maker passed on a motion. A significant amount of time was expended for an exercise in futility. Additionally at the August meeting a procedural motion was passed making it virtually impossible for the board to respond to new issues as they arise.

Not withstanding the inability to keep a GM for any significant length of time, the treatment and loss of two African American General Managers concerns me greatly.

I believe there is an amicable resolution and would be a positive partner in moving KPFA forward.

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

First is to see KPFA as a whole and not separate entities. Clarification and elimination of the ambiguity of the current bylaws especially with respect to the division and scope of work is paramount if we are to have an honest and democratic relationship.

3. How could the station better serve it's listeners?

KPFA must "take to the streets". Programming that originates and transmits live from neighborhoods/communities. A type of roving transmission with outreach to communities for their identification of issues and topics they would like to address, aiding in advertising the the residents and then producing a live transmission from the community/neighborhood.

Improved Communications: The local station board which is directed to conduct community needs assesment - surveys that are supposed to be done by the community advisory board. Empaneling a CAB is something the current LSB has not yet done and should.

A return of the Folio would facilitate open communication and collaboration between the LSB, management and staff, and listeners

Currently at LSB meetings, public comment questions are not responded to. I support an immediate response from the LSB, and if the information is not immediately available to be included in written form as part of the Chair's report at the next meeting.

The minutes, agenda and supporting documentation on the web at least 7 days prior to the meeting.

LSB meeting sites to rotate across the KPFA listener region.

Programming: We (KPFA) can and should do a better job on reporting the news. We should set the agenda on what is newsworthy. Why do we continue to report on items identified by mainstream media? At a minimum we should report stories like those highlighted by Project Censored when they are timely. Reading the wire is not acceptable.

KPFA has been steadily losing listeners over the last 4 years and we now have KALW using the moniker(which use to be and should be ours) "Your alternative news source". We must retain and expand our listener base.

Time established for the airing of prospective new programs and a process for listeners to voice their opinion.

A minimum level of financial and staff support for all programs on KPFA.

Transparency in all aspects of KPFA and Pacifica especially finance and programming.

Equity in representation on the LSB

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 have a fundamental problem with the essence of this question and I believe it is the thorn that paralyzes KPFA. This question reflects a very colonial perspective. KPFA, at a minimum must look at a means for mutual dialogue and provide an avenue for communities to influence KPFA, and thereby educate the broader community. Isn't the airing of different voices and perspectives, so that individuals can make an educated and informed decision what "alternative" is about? The transcendence from a paternal form of governance to one that is not only popular based but reliant on the full enfranchisement of its listener/supporters is of the utmost importance.

It is not only a matter of the station having influence but also those communities having influence at the station. One way this can happen is through the local station board which is supposed to conduct community needs assessments - surveys that are supposed to be done by the community advisory board. Empaneling a CAB is something the current LSB has not yet done.

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

This is a question I thought had been dealt with in the 1999 conflict. No corporatization of KPFA that means we operate on listener donations. In order to meet the financial needs, I would encourage and support more community events. The success of the 911 event is evidence that the community is willing to financially support relevant forums and events.

The listeners have a fundamental right to transparent financial disclosure and when presented with a clear and honest statement of the needs of the station will support without a second thought.

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.

I have over 30 years experience in the non-profit arena. Half of my career has been in Criminal Justice running Mother-Infant Programs, Community Work-Furlough and Friends Outside programs.

My expertise and where I would be the greatest asset is in strategic planning and community development and conflict resolution.

I am currently a member of or serve on the boards of Media Action Marin, Marin ACLU - Board Member, Social Justice Center of Marin - Vice Chair, Marin Peace and Justice Coalition, Democratic Central Committee of Marin, 6th AD Democratic Committee and CDP delegate. Former board memberships include the Mexican Museum, YWCA of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin, Inter Alumni Council of the United Negro Colleges, and Marin Abused Women's Services, California Democratic Party Executive Board.

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 the following committees/subcommittees:

Audit Committee
Finance Committee
Governance Committee
Personnel Committee
Programming Committee
News Subcommittee
GM Hire Committee
Outreach Committee