Mike Winder // Republican // Utah House of Representatives District 30 (A+)

1. 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: 

In school, I performed in theater and choir. A painting I did of the Phantom of the Opera in ninth grade won a district award and was displayed at the State Fair. I married a piano teacher and singer. I earned an Honors Bachelors of Arts in History from the University of Utah's College of Humanities and learned firsthand how valuable a humanities degree can be for developing the creative, research, and critical thinking skills required for graduate school (in my case, an MBA). I was a founder of the West Valley City Historical Society, was appointed by Gov. Jon Huntsman to eight years on the Utah Board of State History and by Gov. Gary Herbert to four years on the Museums Advisory Board in the Division of Arts and Museums. I am the author of twelve published books, including works of history and two children's books. As a legislator, I have been a proud member of the Cultural Arts Caucus. My life continues to be enriched by arts, culture and humanities.

Explanations or Comments: 

Arts and culture matter in the public sphere and make Utah a better place. In the words of Aeschylus, they help us tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.�