Bob Buckles
Candidate for Utah House District 13
votebobbuckles.com
801-866-7063
Clinton
Davis County
Democratic
UCA Candidate Survey
Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?
Yes
Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):
I believe that a modest level of government support for cultural activities, particularly supporting the creation of venues (museums, art galleries, local concert locations) is appropriate. Government support should be designed to provide initial stimulus for a broader program, not underwrite the full cost of cultural events. Most arts programs operating costs should be funded by private donations or ticket paying customers.
If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?
Keep Spending the Same
If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on after school K-12 arts & humanities education program, what would you choose to do?
Keep Spending the Same
Do you believe that during-the-day arts and humanities education should be a part of K-12 curriculum?
Yes
If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on cultural programs, what would you choose to do?
Increase Spending
Do you consider the arts and cultural sector an economic driver in Utah?
No
Do you support Utah's Percent-for-Art Act, which designates 1% of public building costs for public art?
Yes
Do you support the designation of Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty as the State Work of Art?
Unsure
If your office could impact legislation, would you support a bill that exempts cultural non-profits from property tax?
Unsure
Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):
Other entities that create community are exempt from property tax - schools, churches, non-profit hospitals. Cultural non-profits similarly influence the health of a community and should be tax-exempt as well.
Would you support a minor increase to bed or tourism taxes to fund more cultural districts in your community?
Yes
Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):
Tourism is an industry and it is driven by the available recreational and cultural activities in the area. Good cultural venues with desirable activities increase the demand for hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. Therefore this tax is appropriate both to increase tourism and to offset the investments needed to make Utah a desirable destination.
Last year the state legislature passed a bill (HB223 Local Historic District Amendments) restricting the creation of historical districts. What are your thoughts about historic preservation? (One or two sentences is sufficient).
I very much support historic districts but recognize that it also imposes a significant burden on the property owners in some cases. In some cases, compensation to property owners for historical designation may be an appropriate strategy. Without actively working to preserve our history, we won't have any. I would have to look at the details of HB223 before saying whether I would support or vote for its repeal.
Have you had a personal experience with arts, culture, or humanities that has had an impact on your life? Please explain (one or two sentences is sufficient).
Yes. When I was going to school in Los Angeles area as a child, we had many school field trips that included, visiting museums, art exhibits, and plays. I believe that this significantly impacted my views of life and society and continue to affect me to this day in very positive ways.
Do you like this page?