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Sandy Weinmann (Staff Candidate)

Candidate Questionnaire

Candidate Statement

My name is Sandy Weinmann. I have been a KPFT listener since 1979 and member for many years. My volunteer service to the station includes fund drives, off air fundraisers, community events, working committees (2002) and LSB service in 2003. When ever possible I give monetarily to the station. I have been associated with the Dead Air Program (Friday’s at 11pm) for several years and have hosted the program since 2000.

Pacifica is a unique resource that Houston should value. Radio in a non-corporate (commercial) environment maybe the last bastion of freedom where the media is concerned. I believe in the process and I will continue to work to make sure that the democratization of the network continues in a fair and balanced manner. KPFT is Houston’s “civic association.” I have seen and heard much in my first year of service on the LSB and I am hopeful that our current trend of progress and cooperation will continue.

Ultimately our efforts as LSB should serve to increase funding and to grow our listener base. I am committed to these fundamentals.

Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be on the Local Station Board ?
   I wish to continue my service to KPFT on its Local Station Board. I was elected to a one-year term and have served on both the programming and finance committees at the local and national levels. I was elected to and currently serve as the Board's Treasurer. My goal is to continue on, in a cooperative spirit, to further the process of democratization of our community radio station.
   
2. How do you envision the Local Station Board working with the Pacifica Foundation,KPFT and the community?
   The LSB is moving toward and will eventually become the hub of the wheel that is the community and the on-air content of KPFT. Outreach and fund raising are our most important function. As we move forward I envision the LSB tackling assignments that will include responsibility for on-air content and optional spending in the event we reach the point of having budget surplus.
   
3. How could the station better serve its' listeners?
   KPFT's signal is just the start. The use of print media and making available archives on an open basis would be a plus for the community. Further we should continue our path of outreach to ensure both balance and diversity.
   
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?
   Open journal is restricted to one hour per day. I would work to add a second hour and encourage those at the station, those who serve on the board to bring in more people, views and issues to share on-air. These efforts could be targeted at all of Houston's underrepresented communities through the print media and through direct outreach at local events.
   
5. What sources of funding, other than listener donations, do you feel KPFT should solicit?
   There are several avenues available to increase fund raising. Community events come foremost to mind. They provide both economic benefit and community outreach. Next is more Grant money. Finally things like the used car donation program now up and running are just some of the ways we can make more dollars for the foundation. Listeners will always be our primary source of funding and we must not lose site of that fact… We need to optimize the fund drive process.
   
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 now a veteran of the board having served for this year. In 2002 I served on the Program Screening Committee. I have been on-air at the station for over 6 years. Further to this practical experience in the world of KPFT, I hold both and Engineering Degree and Masters in Business Administration. My career has taken me from operations to management positions. I feel very well prepared to continue in my roll as board member..
   
7. Do you anticipate missing any Local Station Board meetings due to family or job related problems or inadequate transportation?
   I will let my record stand on this issue. I have been able to make all but one of the LSB meetings and the one absence was excused. I feel that if elected I have accepted the obligation to be present.
   
8. On which Local Station Board committees are you interested in actively serving?
   I am Treasurer (Chair of Treasury Committee) and I also serve on the Program Steering Committee. I would be willing to continue serving those committees and others.