ASI Candidate Surveys: Erie County Legislature
Each year, Arts Services Initiative of WNY asks candidates for elected office to share their positions with the votiing public, with an emphasis on the roles of arts and art education in the community. Candidates for each office are asked the same questions; their answers are presented unedited. This round of respondents are candidates for seats on the Erie County Legislature.
[The following candidates did not repond to the ASI survey: Debra Liegl, running in the 8th District; Riyam Wannas, running in the 6th District; and Lynette Batt, running in the 5th District.]
ANTHONY BANEY, 3rd District, Green
Occupation:
General Laborer and Forklift Operator at Nutrablend Foods
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
1. Public schools need to be fully funded. Music and Arts programs need to be expanded and the role of them need to be incorporated and implemented in daily curriculum.
2. Reform the ECIDA with “Clawback Reform”. Development corporations should not receive money, if they are not held responsible to follow through with agreed projects.
3. Erie County’s criminal justice system is unjust and unfair. I propose a complete reformation of the criminal justice system in Erie County primarily focusing on the full legalization of cannabis for adults over the age of 21. Minorities are disproportionately targeted.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts are a free way of expressing emotions, in which people usually hold inside their head. Culture represents ideas, actions, rituals, and traditions that are engrained in that society. Erie County has a healthy mix of urban, suburban, and rural cultural traditions. Art plays a huge role in promoting Erie County’s industrial and modernized heritage. Especially in North Buffalo, Elmwood Village, and Allentown, where huge Art Festivals are held. People from all over flock to these festivals to purchase, and marvel at the ingenuity, creativity, and craftsmanship of all of the artists. Music in WNY is a huge part of everyone’s lives, especially Music is Art.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
First off, annual events that are just starting off, that are not profiting need better access to public space in which they can expand. The Infringement Festival is a perfect example of a festival that needs better access to public space. Events that promote Buffalo businesses, as opposed to national and international corporations should also have more access to public spaces to better promote local businesses. We need more funding for arts and music programs in public schools, as these help stimulate activity in young people. I would defend and fight to expand budgets for arts and cultural organizations.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
People from around the country know Buffalo and Erie County for our amazing food. Erie County needs to highlight and promote local businesses as opposed to chain restaurants. Buffalo is also known for our colleges, thus Erie County needs to increase funding for Erie Community College. With ECC receiving more funds, more graduates will have the opportunity to develop the local arts and culture community. If music and art were to be better invested in, than we would see more people travel to Erie County.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
Young people are full of ideas, energy, and motivation. Young people more access to space in which their ideas can grow and flourish. There are so many parks in Buffalo and Erie County that are beautiful. Young people should have more access to use these spaces to express their ideas, and beliefs. Young people want a better sense of knowing their communities and to see them thrive. Erie County needs to highlight and promote events, and projects in which young people try to educate and reach out to the Erie County community. If adolescents had more opportunity to organize events, than the more experience they would have under their belt.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I would vote to increase operational funding for cultural organizations because they help facilitate the sustainability of arts and culture. Arts and culture help facilitate civic discourse in a healthy and beneficial way. Music and art help spread ideas, promote social well being, and can even encourage others to become civically engaged.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I would definitely support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector. Erie County should stay updated on projects and events that are struggling financially. Erie County should also continue funding for projects and events that are important to the Buffalo community. Investing in Arts, Music, and Cultural events is basic for a society.
PATRICK BURKE, 7th District, Democratic, Working Families, Conservative
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Water Quality, Opportunities for everyone, broadband internet access.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
In many ways we are defined by our arts and culture. As a small city, we are incredibly fortunate to have the arts, culture and architecture that exist here.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
We are going through an economic renaissance in our community and one of the indicators of a strong economy is a thriving arts scene. We need to build on the already substantial cultural assets that are already here.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
By advocating for increased funding of cultural organizations county wide. There is a misconception that cultural organizations exist only in the city and that just isn’t true. Graycliff and the Erie County Botanical Gardens are two examples of tremendous regional assets that exist outside of the city lines.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
I think the Locust Street Art Center is a great example of increasing access to young people. It’s a place that my own children have frequented and enjoyed. Art and culture need to be accessible for everyone.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
Increase. Our art and cultural organizations create a positive economic impact and add to the quality of life for our region.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
Possibly. Currently, we are able to discuss cultural funding in Community Enrichment.
LYNNE DIXON, 9th District, Independence, Republican, Conservative
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Creating a better business climate. Less Taxes, smarter spending and economic development.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Erie County is blessed with myriad cultural institutions that enhance the quality of life for all of us. We also have internationally recognized attractions from our past that draw people from around the world to Erie County. These landmarks are a great opportunity for us to present ourselves to a world that might not often think of Buffalo as destination.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
Cultural organizations are a key economic driver in WNY. They serve the residents of the county but also are large contributors to increased tourism. When tourists come to see what we have to offer, they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and spend their dollars locally. This helps create new businesses and more importantly creates local jobs.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
We must continue to invest in our current assets, and look towards the future and new opportunities.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
I think we should encourage public-private partnerships to fund art and music programs in our schools.
We should try to increase student and parental consciousness of what the arts have to offer.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
Over the last three years, the County Legislature has maintained a fairly consistent level of funding for the culturals. In 2015, we increased funding over the County Executive’s recommendation. I believe the County Legislature has shown its commitment to the arts community.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I believe we already have an appropriate committee to discuss funding levels for the cultural sector. I do not support the idea of dedicated funding, and believe the current process is working.
KEVIN HARDWICK, 4th District, Republican, Independence, Conservative
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator, college professor
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
1. Safeguarding the health and welfare of our community;
2. Pursuing policies that will result in the creation and retention of good paying jobs;
3. Broadening the tax base and promoting intergovernmental cooperation in order to maintain low property tax rates.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and cultural institutions are essential elements of our community. They help define who we are and are basic to our quality of life. Specifically, in the City of Buffalo, arts and cultural groups are helping the city transition from a manufacturing hub to a web of unique neighborhoods where people enjoy living and visiting.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
The impact of arts and cultural institutions goes beyond the valuable effects of cultural tourism. In order for us to realize our goal of creating new good-paying jobs for our residents, we need to provide a climate conducive to attracting businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs. Maintaining a vibrant cultural community is an important aspect of these efforts.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
As a legislator, it is my job to make sure that Visit Buffalo Niagara is given the resources it needs to accomplish its mission. They are the professionals when it comes to tourism, and I have a record of making sure they are equipped to do their job properly. My role is to oversee their work, not to micromanage it. With that said, we have a great story to tell here in Erie County, and cultural and heritage tourism is a great part of that story.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
I am not sure we would be well-served by county legislators meddling in the affairs of the public schools. Having said this, I strongly believe arts education is integral to quality elementary and secondary education and am supportive of it.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I could support any of these options depending on a variety of budgetary factors.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I would not oppose creation of such a committee. I am not, however, a huge fan of dedicated funding for anything. My concern is the so-called “fungibility” argument, where dollars from a dedicated source merely replace, rather than enhance funding.
DAN HAWRYLCZAK, 9th District, Democratic
Occupation:
Business Owner, Self Employed
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Economic development and growth.
Equity with regard to county government and its services.
Stewardship and development of our resources.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts & Culture serve to: 1) Mark our past & anchor our community. Entities like the Botanical Gardens, Graycliff Estate, & Penn Dixie site, amongst others, help serve this purpose. 2) They provide us with a barometer of the current vigor of the community, as seen in Canalside, Buffalo Irish Center, & Larkinville. 3) They are a springboard to our future. Studios & galleries spur economic development in communities. Arts teach children & adults to think in new & interesting ways. They play a major role in attracting & keeping talented and productive people for the area.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
Arts and Culture must be integrated in any development plans that are put forth. We have seen, through the success of Canalside and Larkinville that when careful thought is given to such integration, the area being developed does not just become an area that has been developed, it becomes a destination which draws people throughout the day, the week, the month…the year. Unlike development of old, where buildings and infrastructure were built only to sit fallow during the evenings and on weekends, we are building communities which attract use throughout the day, every day.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
The first priority would be to support efforts which are currently under way, from the Steel Plant Museum to the South Buffalo Light House, from the Chopin Singing Society to the Friends of Harmony Barbershop Chorus. Secondly, Buffalo is a city of neighborhoods. We need to find the unique flavor and character of each area and work to promote art and culture that is consistent with its traditions. Finally, take a look at what is missing. What industries, traditions, and trades had a major effect upon our landscape? Find them, develop a plan, and honor them.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
Encourage the maintenance of the effective programs that are currently in place.
Support the identification of areas in need of further development and collaboration with organizations to create appropriate programs and identify funding.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
Ideally, I would vote to increase operational funding for cultural organizations as they provide a high return on investment for the dollars that are spent.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I would be in support of the creation of such a body, provided that such a committee takes a realistic approach to viewing the budget, its funding sources, and the viability of the dedicated funding.
JOE LORIGO, 10th District, Conservative, Republican, Independence
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator, attorney
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Commitment to economic development;
Reduce taxes;
Represent the needs and goals of my district and the people who I am tasked with representing;
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and culture in the community are a method that people can use to express themselves, their beliefs, and encourage public discussion, often of topics that are difficult to talk express in words alone. In Erie County, arts and culture are a way for members of our varied community to talk about their past individualistic identities and our collective experiences
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
Erie County, in particular the city of Buffalo, has had a long history of blending economic development with artistic creation. This is seen most often in the use of artistic elements in architecture such as city and county hall, Niagara square, the Hotel Lafayette, and most of the converted homes along Delaware. Today, we have continued that trend in some of the adaptive reuse projects occurring across the county including the development along the water front in the Riverworks property and Canalside developments.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
[No answer provided.]
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
As an elected official I have already taken part in fostering the artistic and creative skills of our county’s youth in assisting in the dispersal of art kits to thousands of our county’s students. Further, I feel that public art efforts are a tremendous asset to our county and are helpful in inspiring the artistic creativity of the county’s youth.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
At a time of economic growth the county legislature should be working to keep the costs of government as low as possible while leveraging public resources to encourage private investment in art and cultural initiatives.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I find the current legislative committee discussion to be an excellent method to discuss topics like funding for culturals. The committee process allows for an exceptionally diverse group to come together and craft policy for the entire region. I think the difficulty in forming a new committee, however, would be the selection of committee members in the community. If there are too many voices there is not direction and if there are too few voices the ultimate decision may leave out part of our community. Groups of people working together to benefit the community as a whole is the foundation of a solid democracy.
THOMAS LOUGHRAN, 5th District, Democratic, Conservative, Working Families
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator, restaurant owner
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
1. Promote economic development
2. Provide quality county services within our budget
3. Maintain and improve our quality of life
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and culture is essential to our quality of life. Arts and culture contributes significantly to our overall economic development
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
A vibrant arts and culture community is an attraction in bringing outside visitors and investment to Erie County.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
I will work closely with our tourism and visitors bureau to continue highlighting our arts and cultural assets.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
I will support the development of a relationship with school districts and Erie County to promote the arts.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I have always supported funding for our arts and cultural community and I will continue funding at appropriate levels.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
Yes, I will always vote in the interests of our arts and cultural community.
GUY MARLETTE, 5th District, Republican, Independence
Occupation:
Amherst Councilman; Alternative Information Systems, Inc- VP President Systems President
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Improving residents’ quality of life by improving services in the community, promoting community assets and investing in our infrastructure.
Increasing accountability in county government and agencies to ensure that residents are being put first and limited resources are being utilized in the most effective way possible.
Ensuring that the cost and size of government is not only affordable, but functional. This will help control spending & reduce taxes for both residents and businesses.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and cultural attractions are critical aspects of the community and contribute significantly to the character of Erie County. They positively impact our quality of life and are critical to creating a vibrant culture, specifically in the downtown corridor.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
Arts and culture play an important role in the economy of Erie County. I believe we must do all we can to leverage these assets, so that Erie County can better capitalize from cultural tourism. By properly promoting our cultural attractions and unique assets, we can more effectively drive investment in our neighborhoods and communities.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
I would work closely with Visit Buffalo Niagara and local institutions. In addition to better promoting many of the smaller, lesser known attractions in the city of Buffalo, I believe that more can be done build of the success of our larger, urban venues in order to promote attractions and historical sites in suburban and rural areas.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
As liaison to the Youth and Recreation Department in the Town of Amherst, I fully realize the importance of creating more opportunities for the youth in our communities. I have also worked hard to expand youth programing the Town of Amherst over the last eight years. I believe that fostering creativity in our youth is critical to their personal growth and I would work directly with cultural institutions and our schools to help foster additional learning experiences for our children.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I would support increasing operational funding for cultural organizations if possible. I believe that this could be done by using a larger portion of bed tax revenue for tourism and cultural promotion. Tourism spending and cultural promotion, when done properly, can have an extremely high return on investment and a significant multiplier effect.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I would support this but believe that this responsibility could be handled by the current Community Enrichment Committee.
JOHN MILLS, 11th District, Republican, Conservative, Independence
Occupation:
President, J Mills Distributing
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Reducing government waste, lowering taxes, investing in infrastructure
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
I believe art can make people think outside the box, expand their mind and go places they’ve never considered. In our community, art is everywhere, and I think it enhances the quality of life we experience.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
I think it can play an important role if implemented properly. You visit all the large metropolitan cities around the country, and they have a thriving art scene that plays an important role in their growth. This is something we can’t ignore, and something we need to continue to consider going forward.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
I think we need to work with local agencies to help identify and spotlight these great assets to our community. We need a plan that works for everyone, both large organizations and small.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
This past year I was happy to combine my private sector experience as President of J Mills Distributing with my public service to help educate these children. We used J Mills Distributing trucks to ship thousands of art kits to children across the county donated by a private Albright Knox donor. These are the types of partnerships we need to continue to pursue because they have a direct benefit to the children at a very low cost to the taxpayer.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
Last year we proposed increasing funding, and this year we will see what the budget looks like before making that decision. Each budget is unique and needs to be treated as such.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I think that the already existing Erie County Arts and Cultural Advisory Board is sufficient at this time. I don’t believe an additional committee is necessary.
TED MORTON, 8th District, Republican, Conservative, Independence, Working Families, Green, Reform
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator, financial advisor
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Lowering taxes, reducing spending and generating an environment for job creation
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and culture play a very important role in Erie County. Nobody can deny how lucky we are to have the local cultural treasures that we do. Numerous famous sites, thriving large and small organizations, and groups that are just starting to form, create such an amazing synergy. Our local arts attract tourists from across the country, supporting the resurgence of Buffalo.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
Beyond what some of our world famous cultural organizations continue to offer, I think all cultural organizations play a vital role. We have seen how simple art projects can entirely transform a dilapidated building or neighborhood. It can breathe life into areas long forgotten. Arts can play both large and small roles in economic development, and projects of all sizes help us reach the ultimate goal of a booming economy.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
I think we would have to talk with the professionals and experts in the community about their ideas and thoughts. I think the entire community should be having this conversation. I anticipate there will be a lot of debate and sharing of ideas on how to move forward, but ultimately I trust as a group we can come up with a successful plan.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
I think we need to do everything we can to get children from throughout Erie County access to arts. The arts and cultural community often faces hurdles, such as teens and children who would rather play video games. We need to show them that art can be fun, and can challenge them in stimulating ways. The earlier we start this process the better. I think that is something we need to be better at.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I think it’s premature to answer that question until you see what the upcoming budget looks like.
Previously I have voted to increase cultural funding beyond the recommendations of the County Executive. But I believe each budget is its own entity and nothing should ever be concrete. I believe in funding the arts community appropriately, and the last few years I believe we have achieved that.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I believe we have a committee that currently accomplishes these goals known as the Erie Arts & Cultural Advisory Board. This group of individuals from throughout the private and public sector work very hard to make funding recommendation levels to county officials.
TODD POTTER, 4th District, Democratic, Working Families
Occupation:
Law Clerk pending admission to the bar, Grashow Long
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
1. Eliminate individual municipal IDA’s to end the municipality vs. municipality for businesses.
2. Advocate and push for an ECC satellite campus in the Tonawandas or Grand Island to save the hundreds of thousands of dollars each municipality pays in chargebacks to other counties.
3. End partisanship, saving taxpayers’ time and money wasted over party-line bickering.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
The role of arts and culture topically, is an attraction and amusement, serving as an integral part of the county’s economic and tourism blueprint. The benefits are often immeasurable, but in addition to contributing to tourism and economic stimulus, it’s also a great way to showcase and promote the talents and creativity of Western New Yorkers.
The arts and culture scene also strengthens the community by integrating diverse individuals behind a common interest – whether it be a show at the New Phoenix or a selfie with Sharkgirl.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
The arts and culture has historically been a wise public investment furthering the economic and social interests of a region similar to the Greater Buffalo Area. My time on the Board of Education in Ken-Ton has allowed me to watch young, talented individuals go from thriving on the high school stage to receiving standing ovations at Shakespeare in the Park. I would actively promote our youth’s participation in the arts to further their interests, but also to residually benefit the local economy by continuing to fund these programs.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
I would develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County by expanding it more evenly throughout the county. Each community in the county has its own cultural attraction – Clarence Hollow, Grand Island, Lancaster, the Tonawandas – but the City of Buffalo’s rich history seems to overshadow and overpower the rest of the county. I would like to see more investment, spread throughout the county to promote each municipality’s history and encourage local cultural events.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
Being a young person myself, I understand the need for steep student discounts to encourage access to the arts. Throughout my academic career, I have necessarily spent time in museums, theatres and the Historical Society for research. Discounted student admissions and memberships are necessary to allow access for research, study and appreciation for the creativity necessary to create art and culture and I would advocate for the county to fund the admissions for students to ensure affordability and accessibility.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
Depending on the organization’s need, I like to think I would never vote to decrease reasonably necessary funding. I would rather more invest in operational funding for expansion outside the city limits and bring these public attractions to more people. Therefore, I would likely vote to, at a minimum, hold steady the operational funding with hopes of increasing it.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
Yes, being on the Ken-Ton Board of Education, I believe stakeholder input is important to give those potentially affected the opportunity to weigh in and know their voices are being heard. A committee would be beneficial to not only ensure the experts in the field are having their voices heard but also to ensure full understanding of the funding available to organizations.
ED RATH, 6th District, Republican, Conservative, Independence
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator, attorney
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
Economic Development/Job Creation
Lowering the tax burden on Erie County families
Investing in our infrastructure, parks and community organizations
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and culture are ways that some members of our society are able to talk to and inspire large numbers of our population though their work which is a stylized reflection of how the artist views some aspect of their world. In turn, the person who is viewing the art may find some personal connection with what the artist is trying to portray and in turn may be inspired themselves.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
I would like to encourage a stronger public-private movement that helps support the Arts but does not rely solely on the people’s money to fund one individual’s preferred method of expression.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
[No answer provided.]
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
The youth in our county need to have their own opportunity to discover what motivates them artistically and creatively. I would like to sponsor and support opportunities for our youth to experience art in a way so that they can find what really speaks to them. Sponsored days at the art museum for county students is a possibility or an increase in public art displays throughout the county, which have proven to be a huge success.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I believe over the past few years, cultural organizations have been properly funded. Though I think each budget is a unique discussion, and funding levels for cultural organizations are a part of that discussion.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I do not believe an additional committee is necessary to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector. County officials have a long and thorough conversation each year with those in the cultural community about access to funding, and I think the current process is appropriate and working.
PETER SAVAGE, 3rd District, Democratic , Conservative, Working Families
Occupation:
Erie County Legislator, attorney
Please list your top three priorities if elected:
To continue to fight to make sure that our region’s arts and cultural organizations (many of which I am very proud are located in my district) continue to receive the funding they deserve;
To continue to deliver critical resources needed for improvements to infrastructure, parks and other community assets in my district and Erie County;
To continue to be accessible and responsive to the needs of the constituents of the 3rd District.
What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County?
Arts and culture play a pivotal role in our community. In many ways they provide the foundation and serve as an anchor for Erie County. Whether through cultural tourism, economic development, or cultural heritage, our many arts and cultural organizations are regional, and in many cases national and international treasures, which breathe life into our economy.
What is the role of arts and culture in your plans for economic development in Erie County?
Arts and culture play a critical role in plans for economic development and help to create critical mass helping to drive economic development in Erie County. In addition, the significant uptick in economic development activity in Erie County offers unique opportunities for public art projects and elements to be considered and included.
How would you develop cultural and heritage tourism in Erie County?
By building off of the strength of our cultural and heritage assets. The cultural assets we are fortunate to have in Erie County are in many cases not only regional assets but national and international attractions. The historic nature of our neighborhoods and architecture not only serve as a sense of heritage pride, but offer a unique opportunity for tourism in Erie County.
In what ways would you support young people’s access to the arts in order to foster the creative thinking skills needed to ensure a solid future workforce in Erie County?
Early access to art is essential to not only enriching the minds and creative skills of students and a future workforce but offer needed balance to educational curricula. I have been proud to work with partners in County government and the arts community to encourage participation by young people in the arts. By continuing to fund arts organizations, we provide the public (and perhaps most importantly youth) with opportunity and access to some of the greatest assets in the world.
Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why?
I was very proud to vote to increase cultural funding in last year’s budget, and would be open to supporting similar measures in the future.
Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector?
I would be open to the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector.
ASI Candidate Survey: Buffalo City Comptroller
ASI Candidate Survey: Buffalo Common Council
ASI Candidate Survey: Erie County Executive
ASI Candidate Survey: City of Niagara Falls