What office are you running for?

What evidence of state funding are you aware of in your district or community?

Would you support continued state funding for these agencies listed above?

What is your philosophy of public money for arts and cultural organizations?

What activities have you attended, participated in or supported in the last year?

Do you believe that it is important to provide incentives to our Utah schools and universities to provide high quality arts instruction?

How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statement: I support state investment in tourism to encourage signature arts and cultural events such as the Shakespeare Festival or the Festival of the American West, which attract thousands of out-of-state and international audience members to that community annually.

Generally speaking, what are your top 3 legislative priorities?

First:

Last:

Office:

District:

Political Affiliation (if any):

Open-Ended Response

Yes - higher level

Yes - same level

Yes - lower level

No -Do not support

Other (please specify)

Open-Ended Response

Performing Arts

Film

Visual Arts

Literary Arts

Dance

Museum(s)

Festival(s)

Other

None

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

Bob

Brister

U.S. Congress

Green Party

N/A

n/a

I agree with 'a great nation deserves great art.' Europeans seem to get it more than Americans do.

U.S Out of Iraq, Now

Raise the Minimum Wage to a Living Wage

National Health Insurance for All

Roger I.

Price

U.S. Senate

Utah

Personal Choice Party

My biggest concern is for the way the study of the arts has been, to a large extent, removed from our public K-12 schools. I am not that impressed with tax revenue supporting professional artists or facilities. That should be funded by private philanthropy like the Eccles Endowment, etc..

Education in the arts should be funded.

Tax revenues are to be used for general public needs which cannot be provided within the private sector. Our dependence upon Socialized programs is driving the national debt, exacerbating the disparity between mean family income and mean cost of living, and slowly removing individual unalienable Rights from our State and Nation.

Liberty

Truth

Justice

Pete

Ashdown

U.S. Senate

Utah

Democrat

All agencies

It is essential and a priority.

Energy Policy

Health Care

Jobs through Infrastructure

Julian

Hatch

U.S. Senate

Utah

'Desert Greens' Utah's US Green Party affiliate

There are some special programs funded for rural southern Utah where I live and more should be done for these places. I enjoy the Utah Shakespear gfestival in cedar City and the Groovefest music shows. The Salt Lake and Wasatch metro area receives more and needs more money because of the population. Arts money funds things that will not usually be available without public funding. I do not think state parks should be receiving money through the Arts program as they are already funded by taxpayers and ought to some extent be self generating or closed. The Children's museum, Red Butte gardens, Arts festivals, and the offerings by the Utah Humanities Council are things I have attended and should continue to be supported---especially with all the revenues that we now are generating. I also think there should be a higher minimum wage in the state.

Perhaps slightly more, especially if a need can be shown.

I support public financing to some extent, within our means, and if used wisely. The state of Utah is flush with tax revenues so there can be support for the Arts but I also think taxes should be reduced dramatically for the working poor and middle class in our state.

wilderness designation for BLM and US Forests

Election Reform

Reducing defense budgets and ending the wars

Ronda

Menlove

State House of Representatives

Republican

There are a number of museums and historical projects that received state funding. Also, our public education schools receive state funding.

I believe that we need to make the arts and cultural opportunities availabe to the general public at either no cost or for a small fee. These resources enrich life and improve the quality of life.

Education

Agriculture

Transportation

Joe

Jarvis

State Senate

Republican

My wife serves as the Secretary to the Board of the Utah Symphony and Opera and has made me aware of government support for that organization. Abravanel Hall is within Senate District 2.

Relatively small investments of public money, coupled with philanthropic funds and performance revenues, can sustain outstanding arts and cultural experiences in our community. These experiences enrich the lives of our residents, improve educational opportunities for our youth, contribute to our economic vitality, and raise our community profile across the nation and in the world.

Health

Education

Economic Development

Ken

Larsen

State Senate

Personal Choice Party

none

It is not listed among the purposes of government in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence

The Constitution

Scott

McCoy

State Senate

Democrat

I have the pleasure of sitting on the Human Services and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. I am very aware of the various arts, humanities and museum programs both in my district and throughout the state.

I believe that the arts and hunamities are essential to human development. Of course it is en vogue to talk about economic development. Certainly, arts and humanities comtribute to the quality of life our state has to offer potential business who consider relocating here. It is a big factor in economic development (certainly more so than tax rates). But even if the arts and humanities were not engines of economic development, they are still vitally important as human development and I think that alone justifies public finding for them. How we fund the arts and humanities says a lot about who we are as a people and a civilization. We are better off as a society if we have a rich arts and humanities and cultural community.

Support for Public Education

Health Care Reform

Environmental Protection

Brian

Mecham

State Senate

Constitution Party

Cultural organizations may be an important economic development tool, however there is no reason nor right for the government to be involved in funding things such as arts, humanities, museums, etc. Leave that up to private individuals and non-governmental organizations who have the ambitions to do such things.

There is no reason nor right for the government to be involved in funding things such as arts, humanities, museums, etc. Leave that up to private individuals and non-governmental organizations who have the ambitions to do such things.

Return to Constitutionally limited government.

Defend traditional family values.

Immigration.

Patricia

Jones

State Senate

Democrat

I am well aware of the excellent contributions of our arts community. As a contributor to the Murray Arts Council and a member of the board of the Hale Centre Theatre, I see first-hand the benefits of the arts to our citizens. I would like to see more funding and emphasis on the arts in our schools, and will continue to be a strong supporter of those efforts.

Public monies are crucial. It should be a higher priority than it is currently. The arts enhance our quality of life, but the arts have also proven to help students learn. I appreciate the good work of advocates like Beverly Sorensen and others who have been visible and vocal for the arts in our community. I strongly support them in the Legislature.

Education (including arts in education)

Health Care

Senior citizens advocacy

Dirk

Anjewierden

State Senate

Republican

While there are several library's in the area (EMC, Holladay, Whitmore, and Murray), I am unaware of any other cultural arts programs in my area.

Cultural arts programs enhance a community's quality of life and spur economic development. It is important that we continue to fund and preserve these programs well into the future.

Education

Health Care

Tax Reform

Mayne

State Senate

Democrat

Senate District 5 covers the Kearns, West Valley City and Taylorsville area. I have seen, been a part of programs sponsored by our cities, school districts, the Cultural Cellebration Center in WVC, and projects by the Kearns Community Council...

I to believe this is an important function of the State, County and Municiple goverment to be involved in as it does enhance economic developement, quality of life, and is an important tool in the delvelopment of the entire person... Public money is a critical component of their existance and success....

Raising Utah's Minimum Wage

Health and Human Services funding

Public Ed. especially class reduction size... I will be involved also with Transportation Issues and regulation of Pay Day Lending /Check cashing industry....

Bryce

Jolley

State Senate

Republican

I know various arts are supported by state, county and local agencies; symphony, film, theater and dance.

I have been a local stage performer and SAG eligible actor and am very aware that many of our arts would not be able to succeed without public support. I will continue to support the need for the arts to receive public funding.

Education

Healthcare

Transportation

Jared

Beck

State Senate

Constitution Party

I believe in support for art, humanities, museums, and expressions of talent in any form. However, it is not the proper role of government to fund these activities. We have created a culture that collides with the principles of the Consitution of the United States of America. Cultural activities should be funded by private groups who willingly donate their funds, not by coerced funds taken from our paycheck and given out without our personal control.

See item 3.

Vote only according to US Constitution principles

Repeal Income Tax at Federal and State level

Eliminate all unconstitutional laws

Ross

Romero

State Senate

Democrat

The arts, humanities and museums are funded through state allocations to these worthy projects. The University of Utah and related museums are funded and I look forward to help with additional funding for the relocation of the Natural History Museum.

Yes, I will certainly advocate funding for the agencies. It will however be difficult to answer whether I would advocate supporting at a higher level without knowing what specifically would be funded. I would however be against reducing funding to these agencies.

There is a place for using public money to fund the arts and cultural organizations since the contributions add to the whole of our community. I support public money to helping to support the arts.

Education, public & higher

Economic Development

Health Care Reform

Neil

Hansen

State House of Representatives

Democrat

Tree House museum, Library, Union Station, Eccles art center,

Public money sometimes means the differance between having the programs and not having the programs. This is so important for a well balance community.

Min. wage increase

better education for our children

checks and balance in government

Adam

Ford

State Senate

Democrat

I am not aware of any state funding for arts in my senate district.

The Alpine Playhouse just folded. It is a shame.

I believe that there is a role for government in funding the arts. Quality of life is important and arts are what make life enjoyable. I have heard it said that poetry is what seperates us from the beasts. In a day when we have a billion dollar budget surplus, it isn't a difficult choice to fund arts and cultural organizations in my view.

Lobbying and Ethics Reform

Tax Reform

Education Reform

Bethanie

Newby

State Senate

Democrat

Utah Lake State Park, Provo River Parkway, Orem City Museum, Orem City Library, Provo Farmer's Market

I believe it is especially useful for targeting museums, zoos, and local heritage arts, such as architecture, folklore, and natural history, which give residents a better understanding and appreciation of where they reside.

Increased funding for public education

Transportation

Affordable health care

Mark

Burnside

State House of Representatives

Personal Choice Party

none

well spent

Government Corruption

Human Rights

Improving our lives for all of us

Sheryl

Allen

State House of Representatives

Republican

Many -- roads, schools, Bountiful Davis Art Center, etc.

The arts and culture are an integral part of our society and should receive public funding.

Public education including instruction in the arts and humanities

Higher education including support for the arts and humanities

Transportation including trails funding and arts enhancement

Paul

Neuenschwander

State House of Representatives

Republican

I am unaware of any.

I have not determined my priorities on funding for the arts.

I believe the arts are very important. I also understand we have a finite budget.

education

commerce

transportation

Beth

Holbrook

State House of Representatives

Democrat

We do not have to look far to see state funding in our community. Our schools, roads, recreation facilities, and civic spaces, are just small examples of how state funding influences our community.

The agencies and facilities listed are vital to the smooth working of our community, and we should fund them accordingly. During times of economic growth such as this it is vital that we fund resources in our community better to ensure a higher quality of life.

I feel that the arts are vital to a happy life. The arts challenge us to view the world around us and make us think about what it is to be human. I would support state funding for the arts and cultural organizations if the bills drawn up are viable options and provide artists with a positive atmosphere to create.

Education - More funding for our public, as well as post-high school, institutions

Transportation - Fund both roads and rails to ensure quicker commutes

Healthcare - Examine our healthcare system so that we are better able to take care of our citizens.

sarge

Froehle

State House of Representatives

Personal Choice Party

if there are any, it is to many

This funding fails to meet constitutional limits. funds for the GENRAL Welfare; such as road and the like. USED by all.

illegal immigrant EMPLOYMENT

Property tax limitation

limit number of dependent deductions on income tax

Eric

Hamilton

State House of Representatives

Libertarian

This question is extremely broad, and I'm unsure of what it's trying to uncover. There is a list of budget appropriations produced and published on the state website every year, and there are many cultural programs operating with help from state funding. The list is too long for a paragraph answer.

I would decide on a case by case basis whether a program needs or deserves continued support from the state budget. There are a lot of variables involved, including the availability or lack of private funding resources, the relative need for the program, and a demonstration that the program is having a positive impact on the community. I fully support a wide range of public arts and cultural organizations, and I would consider it a disaster to lose some of Utah's cultural institutions over budgetary concerns.

I prefer to see the arts supported by private funding, but I understand that there are certain needs that, for whatever reason, the private sector is unable or unwilling to fill. I believe that the government should make every attempt to support private funding for art and culture, but there are certain programs that provide a measurable benefit to public quality of life and the economy. Those programs should be supported.

Protect individual freedoms

Strengthen fiscal responsibility

Support programs which provide a measurable value to the community

Ralph

Becker

State House of Representatives

Democrat

% for Arts -- big time POPS -- big time Capitol -- big time State History Children's, Natural History, Ft. Douglas, Archives, Rio Grande/Historical Society, . . . . .

Arts are the soul of our community. Government should be a sponsor of the arts with the private sector to create a richer society.

Education (including arts)

Quality of Life for all

Fair tax system

KENNETH

GROVER

State House of Representatives

REPUBLICAN

I work in public education and sit on various committees that receive state-funding.

Strongly support the balanced delivery of monies.

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

ENVIRONMENT

Thomas

Wright

State House of Representatives

Republican

In House District 28, I am aware of two organizatons that were funded by the 2006 ZAP award at the Tier 1 level; Red Butte Garden and Arboretum received 6.44% or $571,170 and The Utah Musuem of Fine Arts received 5.54% or $491, 348. Utah's Hogle Zoo also received 94.5% of the Zoological Funding or $2,079,250. In the Tier 2 level I believe that the following organizations recieved funding; Fort Douglas Military Museum, Youg Theater at the U, and This is the Place Heritage Park.

There needs to be continued funding for arts and cultural organizations to ensure that access to the arts is affordable and that the arts can continue to thrive in our society. While most art and cultural organizations rely on private donations, the importance of public money for support needs to be continued and monitored.

Public and Higher Education

True Tax Reform/Economic Development

Protecting our Children

Emily

Hollingshead

State Senate

Democrat

Utah Shakespearean Festival

At least the same level of funding.

I believe in increasing public awareness of the arts, and a certain amount of money is needed to help arts organizations succeed. Arts organizations make a significant contribution to the local economy, and so every dollar that we spend on the arts generates additional revenue in the community.

Quality Public Education

Affordable Heatlh Care

Arts Education in Public Schools

Joseph

Moesser

State House of Representatives

republican

The hale center

I do not have a huge philosiphy on the subject but I want to make sure that public money is spent to benifit the community.

education

transportation

illegal imigration

Ben

Valdez

State House of Representatives

Personal Choice Party

None that I am aware of

By public money, I assume that you are referring to taxed income. I do not believe that the Constitution of Utah or of the United States gives government authority to use taxed income for the above mentioned services. Using taxes for social programs is socialism. Our current system of government is not a socialist one. Personally I am not in favor of taxation or socialism. I do not favor government taking money from hard working people, and then giving it to other entities. It is my opinion that anything worth having is worth working for. This includes the arts. I am not, however, against charities, individuals supporting the arts.

Constitutional Adherence

Ending Socialist Government Spending

Legalization of Medical Marijuana

Tom

King

State House of Representatives

Desert Greens

Road construction, education.

I believe that public money is well spent on arts and cultural organizations. More roads induce more cars and pollution, whereas arts and culture don't.

Elimination (total) of sales tax on food

divert road building transportaion dollars to mass transit infrastructure development

greater investment in education.

Laura

Black

State House of Representatives

Democrat

The recent move the of aquarium to Sandy and work to build a permanent location is one piece I'm aware of. I also am aware of the 'Artist in Residence' program that has been offered through the schools.

We've had a great opporunity with surplus money to help fund these agencies but that has not happened.

I know that there is place for the use of public money but that the community also has to be willing to step up to the plate with help such as the 'ZAP' tax.

Education

Health Care

Open/honest government

Carl

Wimmer

State House of Representatives

Republican

I often wish I was more aware of the cultural options and events in my area. I am sorry but I can not give specifics at this time.

My basic philosophy is that these types of organizations should be ran on private funding and by private businesses and persons. I do not believet it is the proper role of government to fund these.

Public safety

Education

Transportation

Ian

Spencer

State House of Representatives

Democrat

Riverton Community Theater Crane House gallery

I believe the arts and cultural organization are a vital part of our community and society. Arts and cultural organizations should receive public funding, and effort and funding should also go into teaching arts and cultural appreciation to our children to ensure the arts continue.

Education

Health care

Ethics reform

Daniel

Drew

State House of Representatives

Democrat

None that I can see that ir related to the arts, humanties, musuems etc. Other than state run parkts.

I think arts and cultural organizations are key to the identity of any community and we should be encouraging all communities in Utah to do so.

Public Education

Roads

Fair tax system

Stephen

Sandstrom

House of Representatives

Republican

UVSC through Board of Regents. Education funding through State Board of Education.

I feel that cultural arts benefits the community as a whole. As an Orem City Councilman, I voted for and supported our CARE Tax initiative to help support the cultural arts in Orem.

Education

Transportation

Local Government Control

Edward

Lalone

State House of Representatives

Democratic

During FY 2006, the State Legislature appropriated $400,000 to build a Children's Museum, $400,000 to the Treehouse Musuem in Ogden, $250,000 to fund state-wide Museum grants, and $200,000 to the Sports Commission among other appropriations.

I support cultural organizations whose primary goal is to promote excellence in education, and foster economic growth. I do not support increasing or maintaining state funding for cultural organizations as a general principle but would consider the needs and effectiveness of such organizations and act accordingly. This may mean increasing, maintaining or decreasing funding for specific programs or organizations as necessary.

I believe that public monies need to be spent wisely and that there needs to be accountability in the appropriations process and believe that consideration should be given to many factors prior to appropriating money. I would consider the budget request of the Department of Community and Culture in context with other state funding needs.

Promoting Excellence in Education

Fostering Economic Growth

Providing Quality Affordable Health Care

Brad

Daw

State House of Representatives

Republican

While I am aware of a number of cultural activities in Orem I am not aware of how much of it is funded by the state.

Some types of cultural activities like musems and libraries that are free to the public are justifiable expenditures of public money although I prefer the exependiture be at the most local level. I am not as open to events that charge admission, especially if they garner some profit from the event.

Cost of health care

Education

Keeping government limited

Lawrence

Daniel

State House of Representatives

Democrat

Iron County has been blessed with natural beauty, a fantastic university, cultural opportunities, and a community supportive of the arts and culture. While too numerous to list here entirely, some examples of cultural organizations supported in whole or in party by state funding are as follows: Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery Utah Shakespearean Festival Iron Mission State Park Museum Cedar City Arts Council Orchestra of Southern Utah American Folk Ballet

I favor the utilization of such funds when they enrich the cultural experience of the local residents while having a positive economic impact to the community. Throughout District 72, such investment has had a substantial impact on local quality of life and economic development through tourism.

Education

Economic Development

Veterans & National Guard Support

Michael

Noel

State House of Representatives

Republican

Funds for the Heritage House in Kanab Libraries Schools Dixie College and SUU Museums

I believe that it is an appropriate function of government to expend public funds for arts and cultural organizations.

Public Lands Issues

Agricultural Issues

Reducing the impacts of pornography on our society