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Art and Politics: Candidate Surveys by Arts Services Initiative

by / Aug. 30, 2017 3pm EST

 

Each year, Arts Services Initiative of WNY asks candidates for elected office to share their positions with the voting public, with an emphasis on the roles of the arts and art education in the community. Candidates for each office are asked the same questions; they are told that their answers will be presented unedited in The Public. In this issue, in advance of the September 12 primary elections, we present the responses from candidates for two seats on the Erie County Legislature and from the candidates for mayor of the City of Buffalo.

Office: Mayor, City of Buffalo
Race: Primary, Democratic Party

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, incumbent

The candidate chose not to respond.

Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant

Will you propose annual operating grants for Cultural Organizations in the minimum amount of $2 per capita?

Yes.

Will you create a routine, transparent, and peer-review based process for awarding cultural funding?

Yes.

Will you insure full enforcement of the one percent for public art requirement?

Yes.

Will you commit to the development of a cultural plan for the city?

Yes.

Will you create a Department of Cultural Development within city government, staffed by a cabinet-level appointee?

Yes.

Will you work to include cultural leaders in city efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of city government?

Yes.

Will you continue to financially support the Public Art Initiative, a collaboration between Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to increase public art throughout the county?

Yes.

Buffalo Comptroller Mark Schroeder

Will you propose annual operating grants for Cultural Organizations in the minimum amount of $2 per capita?

Yes.

Will you create a routine, transparent, and peer-review based process for awarding cultural funding?

Yes.

Will you insure full enforcement of the one percent for public art requirement?

Yes.

Will you commit to the development of a cultural plan for the city?

Yes.

Will you create a Department of Cultural Development within city government, staffed by a cabinet-level appointee?

Yes.

Will you work to include cultural leaders in city efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of city government?

Yes.

Will you continue to financially support the Public Art Initiative, a collaboration between Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to increase public art throughout the county?

Yes.


Office: Erie County Legislature, District 8

Race: Primary, Conservative Party

Erie County Legislator Ted Morton

The candidate chose not to respond.

Ms. Susan Marrano

The candidate chose not to respond.


Office: Erie County Legislature, District 2
Race: Primary, Democratic Party

April Baskin, executive director, the College Simulation Experience

Will you vote for annual operating grants for cultural organizations at or above the current overall levels?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

I am a graduate of Buffalo Performing Arts High School and I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Dramatic Arts. All my life I have been dedicated to the arts—my first job was as a theatre director for an after school youth program and the organization which I founded, The College Simulation Experience, integrates arts in education by using theatre and drama to better prepare students for college life. I will gladly champion arts funding for cultural organizations in Erie County as I believe they enrich the quality of education for our youth, the quality of life in our neighborhoods, help to grow our local economy, and attract visitors to our region.

Will you continue to financially support the Public Art Initiative, a collaboration between Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to increase public art throughout the county?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

The Public Art Initiative is a tremendous collaboration between local government and the Albright Knox Art Gallery. Public art creates a sense of place and activates spaces, often resulting in greater community engagement and vibrancy. I will gladly partner with the Albright Knox and neighborhood leaders to ensure public art is placed in the second legislative district and I will gladly support continued funding of this critical initiative.

Will you work to include cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

It would be pleased to promote cultural leaders for appointments to various boards and commissions. Cultural leaders often bring a unique perspective and a different approach to critical thinking and problem solving. Having their unique perspective and talent set would be an asset to any board or commission.

Charley H. Fisher III, retired

Will you vote for annual operating grants for cultural organizations at or above the current overall levels?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

We should consider increasing our level of grants for cultural entities and encourage our youth to explore them as well.

Will you continue to financially support the Public Art Initiative, a collaboration between Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to increase public art throughout the county?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

The Albright Knox is one of the greatest museums. The work they do through the Public Art Initiative is nothing short of extraordinary and should be continuously supported.

Will you work to include cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

Government is about people, we have to work with every and all leaders in order to expand our cultural and artistic influence and presence.

Duncan Kirkwood, Northeast Charter Schools Network and Say Yes Buffalo

Will you vote for annual operating grants for Cultural Organizations at or above the current overall levels?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

I will continue to support cultural organizations to the highest level possible, and I will also look to increase the minority cultural organizations that receive support from the county.

Will you continue to financially support the Public Art Initiative, a collaboration between Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to increase public art throughout the county?

Yes.

Will you work to include cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

When we are doing things in the community, it is imperative that we involve the community leaders.

 

David A. Martinez, Vania & David co-owner / solo practicing attorney

Will you vote for annual operating grants for cultural organizations at or above the current overall levels?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

Buffalo is an extraordinary place to live. In addition to our people, neighborhoods, and parks, the arts & cultural organizations make up our city’s lifelines. Without grants, many of these institutions would not survive — so, I would absolutely vote yes for operating grants.

Will you continue to financially support the Public Art Initiative, a collaboration between Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to increase public art throughout the county?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

We Buffalonians and Western New Yorkers are a proud bunch! We are proud of our communities, our food, our toughness, and our sports teams. Most, if not all, members of our community and visitors alike puff up with pride (and perhaps awe) when we walk down the street and see a cool mural or a statue — to increase artistic exposure is huge, particularly for those who may not be willing or able to be members of a gallery or other cultural institution. A strong YES to the Public Art Initiative.

Will you work to include cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes.

Optional Comment:

I find it extremely important for different aspects of government to work with and for each other — this belief is extended to all aspects of our community — various aspects of the private sectors, sectors of unions and organized entities, and sectors of our cultural community. Although it is much easier said than done, this starts with affording members of all parts of our community a seat at the leadership table. Yes, I will work to include cultural leaders (as well as community leaders) in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government. Thank you very much.

 

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