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News
WHAT THE WINNING CANDIDATES
IN MONROE COUNTY THINK ABOUT THE ARTS
The Arts Council surveyed all candidates for Monroe County Legislature and Rochester City Council in October to determine their views on arts and cultural development. Here's what the winners told us:
Party Affiliation Key: R-Republican; D-Democratic; C-Conservative; F-Freedom; I-Independence
County Legislator 5th District, 4yr.
D,R,C David G. Proud, 1601 Fetzner Road, Rochester, NY 14626
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
8
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
Continue to support local funding because of arts positive effect on economic development.
County Legislator 9th District,4yr.
George C. Wiedemer, 244 Hillary Lane, Penfield, NY 14526
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
5
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
As a county legislator I have always supported the arts and cultural organizations which educate our youth. We are fortunate to reside in a culturally diverse community. I am supportive of County Executive Jack Doyle's efforts to work with Mayor Bill Johnson in conducting a feasability study of a downtown performing arts theatre.
County Legislator 10th District,4yr.
R,C,F, William Smith, Jr,. 37 Mendon Center Road, Pittsford, NY 14534
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
8
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes. The "leadership" provided by government in the area of education is not a model I would recommend for emulation in any sphere of endeavor that I wish to see succeed, such as the arts.
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
No. I answer no only with reluctance to the question of government funding of arts and other cultural organizations. My principle objection to it is that government inevitably leads to disputes over what gets funded and why and that it ultimately becomes a burden to artistic freedom.
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
The best way to provide for economic support for the arts is to pursue policies conducive to the creation of jobs and wealth within the county. The County Legislature's ability to make a difference in this regard is limited, especially in the face of policies at the state level that, despite progress in the past two years, continue to make it more difficult and expensive to live and do business in New York than in competing states. One thing the County Legislature has within its power to do in order to make Monroe County a more attractive place to live and invest is to limit the growth of property taxes. That is policy I have supported in votes in the Legislature and one that I will continue to support.
County Legislator 17th District,4yr.
D,Stephanie Aldersley, 2401 St. Paul Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14617
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
9
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
I believe the County needs leaders with a history of involvement in the arts and a commitment to arts education- particularly for young people.
County Legislator 18th District, 4yr.
R,C,F, A. Michael Hanna, 21 McCoord Woods Drive, Fairport, NY 14450
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
7
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
The arts are a wonderful economic tool. The arts provide jobs and make Monroe County a great place to live and work.
County Legislator 20th District,4yr.
R, Dennis A. Pelletier, 227 Hilltop Lane, Spencerport, NY 14559
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
8
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
No
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
Work to develop easy permit fees and application for use of County Parks, etc.
County Legislator 28th District, 4yr.
R, James Roose, 159 Saratoga Avenue, Rochester, NY14608
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
9
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
I believe that Monroe County should work closely with the local cultural council in developing a stronger arts and cultural community in this area. By doing this it will not only benefit local residents, but also could be a great way of drawing people from the surrounding communities to this area.
Mayor - City of Rochester
D, William A. Johnson, Jr., 999 Meigs Street, Rochester, NY 14620
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
10
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
1) By maintaining its/their current support and identifying opportunities for new suport and encouraing support from others.
2) By publicly advocating on behalf of the arts and cultural institutions.
3) By vigorously opposing any efforts to reduce or eliminate financial support.
City Council At Large
D, Brian F. Curran, 56 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14611
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
8
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
The City should focus on promoting major cultural "anchors" that draw people to the city and provide the customer base to support other cultural and business ventures.
D, Gladys Santiago, 55 Oneida Street, Rochester, NY14621
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes. One of the distinguishing features of the Rochester community is the richness of our cultural life. Without the many cultural organizations that we are known for, Rochester would be a far poorer place to live and work.
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
10
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Government leadership in the arts is a dangerous matter. In times of shifting political winds, the arts community in Rochester may find itself in the same situation as those artists and organizations who had come to rely on the NEA and NEH for support and guidance. With public money come public mandates. Government should be at the table in discussions of artistic and cultural matter, as should other sectors of the community such as the business and not-for- profit sectors. However, government should not lead the discussions.
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Government funding of the arts is a problematic issue. The City has long offered support for our major institutions such as the RPO, Eastman House, GeVa,etc., by purchasing services annually. As you are aware, the State Constitution prohibits outright gifts of tax money, so the purchase of services has been the route we have taken to provide some assistance. One example is the soon to be dedicated arts work in the Skyway Pavilion on Clinton Avenue adjacent to the Bausch& Lomb building. It is, however, crucial to remember that the average City taxpayer has a far lower income than the average tax payer in any of the surrounding towns; it hardly seems fair to expect the poorest people in the County to be able to provide support for organizations that serve the entire County population. Rather that attempting to provide additional governmental funds, I believe it is better for the City to work to create a climate in which the arts community can flourish, in which arts are a routine part of life, rather than a "special interest group" seeking limited government funds in an era of shrinking resources.
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
I believe it is crucial for the City, County and arts & cultural organizations to work together to support both artistic and economic developmental goals. I understand the very positive impact of the arts comunity on the local economy and I recognize the need to nurture and support the arts. City Council has recently approved funds for a new marketing campaign for the City; I am certain that the cultural richness of Rochester will be among the most important items that we can market to the outside world. I will work to ensure that representatives of ACCGR are part of the process as the marketing study moves ahead.
D, Wade S. Norwood, 74 Appleton Street, Rochester, NY14611
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
9
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
Through regional marketing ,facilities improvements and the development of job generating collateral businesses.
D,Nancy K. Griswold, 253 Grand Avenue, Rochester, NY 14609
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
8
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
No. Government should exercise partnership in arts and cultural matters. Less controlling than leadership example but better model of collaboration.
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes. Partnership model is adopted.
- How can Monroe County/City of Rochester work proactively with the local cultural community to support arts and cultural economic development?
Establish active cooperative boards with active representation of County/City/Arts Council. Does this already exist? Establish a coordinated events calendar possibly with shared themes at museums, events,etc. County/City seek corporate funding for arts/culture. Pursue government funding sources more actively.
D, Tim O. Mains, 6 Highland Heights, Rochester, NY 14618
- Do you believe that arts and cultural resources are an important asset to our community?
Yes
Relative to other community assets, please rank the importance of arts and cultural resources on a scale of 1-10 (1 is low, 10 is high)
9
- Should government exercise leadership in arts and cultural matters as it does in other areas of community life (e.g.economic development, education)?
Yes
Should leadership include funding of arts and cultural organizations?
Yes
Winners who did not return the survey
2nd District, 4yr
R, Dale Rath, 85 Centennial Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420
8th District, 4yr.
F, Sean T. Hanna, 1680 Lake Road, Webster, NY 14580
21st District, 4 yr. D, Christopher J. Wilmot, 1567 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610
22nd District,4yr.
D, Ronnie Thomas, 263 Lyndhurst Street, Rochester, NY 14605
23rd District,4yr.
D, William J. Benet, 483 Pearl Street, Rochester, NY 14607
25th District, 4 yr.
D, Willie Lightfoot, 112 Bartlett Street, Rochester, NY 14608
26th District, 4yr.
R, John J. Ferlicca, 115 Augustine Street, Rochester, NY 14613
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