Dean Cox // Republican // Washington County Commission

  • How have the arts, culture, and/or humanities impacted your life?
    • I enjoy the arts and I am currently serving as a Board Member of the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in St. George. I also worked diligently to ensure passage of the RAP Tax.
  • Utah's humanities and arts employ 123,000 Utahns, provide $4.4 billion in earnings, and $13.2 billion in sales. This is a larger economic impact than agriculture, mining, and real estate. Do you consider the arts and cultural sector an economic driver in Utah?
    • Yes
  • Fiscally responsible government investment in the arts and humanities (including humanities and arts education) means to me:
    • Tuacahn is the second largest driver of the economic engine of Washington County. (second only to Zion N. P.) It is appropriate to use RAP funding as well as Transient Room tax to support Tuacahn and other art venues based on their impact and ability to grow our economy.
  • Items of Legislation I support:
    • I support the RAP tax
    • I will ensure existing fund balances are preserved for recreation, cultural organizations, and parks
    • Friendly ordinances that encourage public and private mural creation
    • Increased investment in public art projects to encourage murals, sculptures, utility wraps, and more
  • Would you elaborate on your answers above?
    • Rap tax is a penny on every $10, not a penny for every $1000. I know, I was an ardent supporter of the passage. My idea for disbursing RAP funds between municipalities and the County was used in the 2014 ballot initiative in Washington County.
  • I believe percent for art ordinances should apply to:
    • Public buildings
  • Anything else we should know about you?
    • Washington County has supported the Arts by buying bronze or iron art sculptures for its County Administration Building (2), Law Office (1) and Legacy Park (1). This has all happened in the last 4 years.