Jani Iwamoto // Democratic Party // Utah State Senate District 4 (A+)
- Should government invest in funding the arts and humanities at fiscally responsible levels?
Answer: Yes
2. Do you support investing money into K-12 arts and humanities education at fiscally responsible levels?
Answer: Yes
3. Do you believe that arts and humanities education should be required in the k-12 curriculum?
Answer: Yes
4. Do you consider the arts and culture sector to be an economic driver in Utah?
Answer: Yes
5. Do you support Utah's Percent-for-Art Act, which designates 1% of public building costs for public art?
Answer: Yes
6. Do you support preserving the Utah Historic Preservation Tax Credit?
Answer: Yes
7. Do you support policy that positively impacts tourism, such as the creation of historic and cultural districts?
Answer: Yes
8. Have you had a personal experience with arts, culture, or humanities that has had an impact on your life? Please explain. (responses to this question were not graded)
Answer: I have had many impactful experiences. Most recently, but based upon my personal, past experiences and ancestry, I took my father and family to SF to the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, Building 640, the site where Japanese American Soldiers were secretly trained in Japanese military language during WWII. My father's name is listed in that building. I wanted to take my father to show him that his service, despite the discrimination faced, would be remembered and honored. I returned to the museum last year, months after my father's passing and my visit with him, to attend the National Japanese American Historical Society's 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 signed and issued during WWII by President Franklin D Roosevelt, which cleared the way for the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese American men, women and children (2/3, American Citizens) being forced into camps, including Topaz Relocation Center near Delta Utah (another historic moment with the opening last year). I have been involved with the NJAHS while living in the Bay Area after law school. This museum is a place of peace for me. Last year, we ent with my husband's family n Hawaii to the exhibit at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, exhibiting Ellison Onizuka (their family friend) who died in the Challenger, and an exhibit of the littlel known concentration camp in Hawaii. There is a saying which embodies y gratefulness to our loved ones - this saying has become an exhibit at this cultural center - "Okage Sama De" - "I am what I am because of you. I could go on forever about the impact of the impact arts, culture, and humanities have had on my life. Taking my daughter to the museums in Washington, D.C. and New York - these places connect us and make us slow down and appreciate and honor the important matters in our lives. I have been supporting the new military museum, and efforts for a commemorative stamp. Veterans hold a special place in my heart and life. I have loved being a judge for President Niederhauser's art competition and the amazement of the talent in our youth - and the beauty they see in our Capitol, the people of Utah, and the unique places in Utah. P.S. I am having a difficult composing this on-line - please excuse the writing - and for continuing on, and on --- next questions!
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