Arts Services Initiative Candidate Surveys
Every year, Arts Services Initiative of WNY, Inc. sends out surveys to candidates for public office, asking those candidates their positions on various issues relevant to the offices they seek, with a focus on government support for the arts, arts education, and cultural institutions. Respondents ar told their answers will appear unedited in The Public. Below are the responses (or lack thereof) that ASI received from candidates who will appear on ballots in the November 6 general election:
2018 General Election Survey Responses:
NYS Assembly 139 District Representative
Name: Stephen Hawley
Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 140 District Representative
Name: Robin Schimminger
Democratic, Conservative, Independence
Chose not to respond.
Name: Adam Ohar
Republican
Chose not to respond.
Name: Brian V. Phillips
Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: n/a
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Name: Anthony Baney
Green
Current Occupation & Employer: Kluge Operator @ Mod Pac
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
As long as the funding is equitably distributed, and local independent artists are preferred.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
NYS Assembly 141 District Representative
Name: Crystal D. Peoples
Democratic
Chose not to respond.
Name: Ross Kostecky
Republican
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 142 District Representative
Name: Patrick B. Burke
Democratic, Working Families, Reform
Chose not to respond.
Name: Erik T. Bohen
Republican, Conservative
Chose not to respond.
Name: Michelle M. Kennedy
Independence
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 143 District Representative
Name: Monica P. Wallace
Democratic, Working Families, Independence, Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: NYS Assemblymember — District 143
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
I would support a gradual increase in arts funding to more adequately match the immense contributions that the New York State Council on the Arts makes to our community and communities across New York. I believe that it is highly beneficial to invest in arts and cultural programs, which is why I co-sponsored the Museum Education Act. That Act allows for museums and cultural institutions to apply for grant funding to conduct curriculum-based education programs. I’ve also fought for and secured funding for school districts to support music and arts programs.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Optional Comment:
I agree that arts and culture projects are a means to increase tourism and that the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council should include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, especially when it involves public art. One example that comes to mind is Shark Girl at Canalside, which has become a cornerstone attraction. Strategically placed public art brings tourists to all parts of our community, which leads to increased patronage at restaurants, hotels, shops, and other attractions in the vicinity.
Name: Daniel R. Centinello Sr.
Republican
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 144 District Representative
Name: Joseph DiPasquale
Democratic, Working Families, Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: Producer, Bright Street Pictures, LLC.
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Arts funding is crucial to overall progress
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Optional Comment:
The arts community should be fully represented on the WNY Regional Economic Development council as the arts community is a driving force of WNY’s revitalization.
Name: Michael J. Norris
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 146 District Representative
Name: Karen McMahon
Democratic, Working Families, Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney — Law Offices of H. Jeffrey Marcus PC
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Name: Raymond Walter
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Current Occupation & Employer: Incumbent Assembly Member / Attorney w/Magavern Magavern Grimm LLP
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Yes, I would advocate for better cultural representation on the WNY REDC. REDC’s however, do not exist in statute, they were created solely by the Governor and are unaccountable to the legislature.
Name: Danilo Lawvere
Green
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 147 District Representative
Name: David DiPietro
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
Name: Luke Wochensky
Democratic, Working Families
Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney, Eversheds Sutherland
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Residents in my district have less access to the arts than those who live near urban areas. Access to the arts for all residents, including those in rural areas is of critical importance. We do have a number of amazing arts organizations in rural Erie and Wyoming Counties and they are doing great work and they need ongoing and enhanced support.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
NYS Assembly 148 District Representative
Name: Joseph Giglio
Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
NYS Assembly 149 District Representative
Name: Joseph Totaro
Republican
Chose not to respond.
Name: Sean M. Ryan
Democratic, Women’s Equality, Independant, Working Families
Current Occupation & Employer: Current Representative of NY 149th Assembly District, since 2011
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Funding the arts in our community is critical. So many benefit from engaging in the arts, from children in our schools to adults in Adult Education programs. I’ve met personally with those who benefited from expanded arts programs in my district and I know what a difference it has made in their quality of life. When we create an environment for all to tap into lifelong learning through artistic and cultural activities, we create a meaningful way for everyone in New York to express their unique, creative point of view.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Representation matters, and arts and culture amenities provide so much to our communities. Yes, they attract tourists to engage with our neighborhoods in new ways and to experience joy through another’s creative means. But the economic benefit of arts and culture in New York, and particularly in my district, is undeniable. I support the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic development Council plan and believe there should absolutely be a cultural representative has an active, meaningful role in the Council.
NYS Assembly 150 District Representative
Name: Judith Einach
Dem, Working Fam, Women’s Equality
Office Sought: NY Assembly 150
Current Occupation & Employer: Retired non-profit executive
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Given return on investment in the Arts, an increase would be a worthwhile, responsible use of public funds.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Optional Comment:
The Arts don’t just enrich the experience of visitors. Art enrichs the lives of everyone who lives in WNY. Residents spend money on the arts, volunteer, learn about themselves and other through the Arts, and some make a living creating art. Arts enrich life for us all. To link the Arts to tourism alone does the Arts a disservice and the residents of WNY a disservice. Our communities are better when the Arts are an everyday fact of life. The Arts make WNY a more exciting place to live, work and play for residents and visitors alike. The Arts attach us to our communities, make us proud and want work harder to strengthen and enhance the value of where we live. The Arts speak to us in ways other parts of the economy do not. WNY’s architecture literally has angels in the architecture. The Arts inspire us to create and recreate the world, indeed the region we wish to see.
Name: Andrew Goodell
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Chose not to respond.
NYS Senate 59 District Representative
Name: Patrick Gallivan
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Current Occupation & Employer: NYS Senate — 59th District
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
I am supportive of increased funding for the NYS Council on the Arts, however, would need to learn more details about specific spending plans prior to final commitment.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
NYS Senate 60 District Representative
Name: Carima C. El-Behairy
Democratic, Working Families, Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: Business Consultant
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Name: Christopher L. Jacobs
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
NYS Senate 61 District Representative
Name: Joan Elizabeth Seamans
Democratic, Working Families, Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: Owner — Short Street Photographers
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Michael Ranzenhofer
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
NYS Senate 62 District Representative
Name: Robert G. Ortt
Conservative, Independence, Reform
Chose not to respond.
Peter Diachun
Green
Current Occupation & Employer: Retired
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
NYS Senate 63 District Representative
Name: Timothy M Kennedy
Democratic, Working Families, Independence, Women’s Equality
Current Occupation & Employer: State Senator, New York State
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Name: Thomas A. Gaglione
Republican
Chose not to respond.
NYS Governor
Name: Andrew Cuomo
Democratic
Chose not to respond.
Name: Marc Molinaro
Republican
Chose not to respond.
Name: Howie Hawkins
Green
Current Occupation & Employer: Retired UPS Teamster truck unloader
The current 2018 funding of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is $46.9 million, spending just $0.42 per NYS resident. Would you support a plan to increase state arts funding to NYSCA to $1 per NYS resident, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
But $1 per resident is far too low. I support New York State coming up to the European average of 0.6% of GDP, which in 2017 would have been $468 per resident.
Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the Western New York plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Economic Development Council plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the Council?
Yes
Optional Comment:
I support an arts and culture representative on the Regional Economic Development Councils in the short run. But I think we need to radically democratize funding and access to arts and culture. I support generous funding of arts and culture programs in public schools. I favor an arts and culture voucher to every voter, which can be used to direct state funding to the art and culture programs of their choice. Current funding by grants controlled by political and economic elites is biased toward the interests and experience of this elites to the detriment of working class and people of color communities. The vouchers would enable more community-based arts programs like Locust Street Art to be organized. Arts and culture funding should support affordable studio space and performance space for artists. I favor a state level Arts and Culture program akin to Works Progress Administrations’ 1935-1942 Federal Project Number One, or “Federal One,” which focused on employing unemployed visual artists, musicians, theater workers, and writers in producing arts and culture for the broad public to enjoy.
NYS Lieutenant Governor
Name: Kathy Hochul
Democratic, Independence, Working Families
Chose not to respond.
Name: Julie Killian
Republican, Conservative, Reform
Chose not to respond.
Name: Jia Lee
Green
Chose not to respond.
US Senator
Name: Kirsten E. Gillibrand
Democratic
Chose not to respond.
Name: Chele Farley
Republican
Chose not to respond.
US House of Representatives 26 District
Name: Brian Higgins
Democratic
Current Occupation & Employer: Member, United States House of Representatives
The budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was cut in half during the 1990s. With its current funding (2018) of $152 million, the NEA spends just $0.47 cents per American. Would you support a plan to increase federal arts funding to the NEA to $1 per American, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Nonprofit arts organizations are community-based charities that specifically rely on donations made by individual taxpayers for a quarter of their budgets on average. Would you support the preservation of the charitable tax deduction for nonprofits arts organizations?
Yes
Name: Renee Zeno
Republican
Current Occupation & Employer: Title Abstracting Services - Owner/Operator
The budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was cut in half during the 1990s. With its current funding (2018) of $152 million, the NEA spends just $0.47 cents per American. Would you support a plan to increase federal arts funding to the NEA to $1 per American, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Optional Comment:
The arts are an important part of my district.
Nonprofit arts organizations are community-based charities that specifically rely on donations made by individual taxpayers for a quarter of their budgets on average. Would you support the preservation of the charitable tax deduction for nonprofits arts organizations?
Yes
Optional Comment:
Absolutely
US House of Representatives 27 District
Name: Nathan McMurray
Democratic
Current Occupation & Employer: Town Supervisor of Grand Island
The budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was cut in half during the 1990s. With its current funding (2018) of $152 million, the NEA spends just $0.47 cents per American. Would you support a plan to increase federal arts funding to the NEA to $1 per American, so that arts organizations in your district can present even more accessible arts programs for all of its residents?
Yes
Nonprofit arts organizations are community-based charities that specifically rely on donations made by individual taxpayers for a quarter of their budgets on average. Would you support the preservation of the charitable tax deduction for nonprofits arts organizations?
Yes
Name: Chris Collins
Republican
Chose not to respond.
Name: Larry Piegza
Reform
Chose not to respond.