Chip Dawson 

Candidate for Jordan School District Board, District 5

[email protected]

www.chipdawson.com

 801.254.4223

South Jordan 

Salt Lake County 

Republican 

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

The arts and humanities can elevate and lift humanity as few things can. While I appreciate the emphasis on STEM in education, I believe that arts and music can be added into the mix to make STEAM.

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending

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?

Increase Spending 

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?

Unsure

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?

No

Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):

This proposal is problematic. Working for a city for the past decade, I know how vital property taxes are. Cultural non-profits, as vital as they are, still need water, sewer, public safety and other services. I think a reduced rate might be more appropriate as a starting point. The other concern is that then residents could potentially start bogus 501(c)(3) for the arts in their homes and forgo property taxes.

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):

I think this is more than appropriate, especially in areas where arts and cultural activities are tourism drivers.

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).

Again, working for a city for a decade, I have mixed feelings about these historical districts. Unfortunately, I do not feel that every old house or block deserves protection from progress.

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).

 Brad Daw

Candidate for State Representative, District 60

[email protected]

 www.braddaw.com

801-850-3608

Orem

Utah County

 Republican 

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

Government has a very limited role in funding arts and humanities primarily through funding institutions of education.

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?

Keep Spending the Same

Do you consider the arts and cultural sector an economic driver in Utah?

Yes

Do you support Utah's Percent-for-Art Act, which designates 1% of public building costs for public art? 

No 

Do you support the designation of Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty as the State Work of Art? 

No

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):

I have not looked at the overall economic impact of such an exemption, but I would be very cautious about creating that kind of exemption.

Would you support a minor increase to bed or tourism taxes to fund more cultural districts in your community?

No

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

This type of subsidy is far to often misused.

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'm in favor of historic preservation as long as it does not place undue burdens on property owners and tax payers.

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).

I've been to many productions. My family has season tickets to the Hale center. Art is a big part of our lives.

 Bruce Cutler

House District 44

[email protected]

Electbrucecutler.org

801-556-4600

Murray

Salt Lake

Republican 

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending

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?

Yes

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? 

Yes

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):

Would you support a minor increase to bed or tourism taxes to fund more cultural districts in your community?

Unsure

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

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).

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. I met my wife through the arts and it has been a significant part of out family life ever since.

 David Clark

Candidate for Utah House of Representatives, District 5

[email protected]

Daveclarkforutahhouse.com

435-213-9665

Providence

Cache 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):

Arts and humanities are vital community assets that deserve public support.

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending

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?

Increase Spending

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?

Yes

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? 

Yes

If your office could impact legislation, would you support a bill that exempts cultural non-profits from property tax?

Yes

Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):

Providing public (tax-based) support for non-profit arts organizations and then taxing the same organizations is self defeating.

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):

This is a use or user tax strategy that is fair in terms of extending a reasonable tax burden to non-residents who enjoy cultural offerings.

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).

Our state is so rich in culture and heritage that it would be a tremendous loss to our sense of community if legacy sites are not protected and preserved.

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).

I experience arts, cultural and humanities every day.  I am an avid reader, I enjoy visual arts and my wife and I support theater performances in Cache and Salt Lake valleys.  Art and humanity are inseparably connected.

Wesley Christiansen

Candidate for State School Board District 15

[email protected]

Christiansen4scb.com

 435-668-4192

Hurricane

Washington County

Republican 

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending 

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?

Increase Spending 

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?

Yes

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?

Yes

Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):

The arts is what gives personality to our communities. The arts are uplifting, enjoyable, spiritual, and peaceful.

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):

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'm for historical preservation.

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, Several.  Listening to a string quartet in Historic Williamsburg. Music and the Spoken Word every Sunday. 

Allen Christensen

Candidate for State Senate

[email protected]

allenchristensen.com

801-710-0315

North Ogden

Weber, Morgan and Summit Counties

Republican 

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

Arts add to a person’s education which we provide

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?

Keep Spending the Same 

Do you consider the arts and cultural sector an economic driver in Utah?

Yes

Do you support Utah's Percent-for-Art Act, which designates 1% of public building costs for public art? 

Unsure

Do you support the designation of Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty as the State Work of Art? 

No

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):

Cultural Non-profits'  is a title under which some groups can hide and avoid taxes they should be 

paying.   For true and legitimate non-profits I could support exemptions.

Would you support a minor increase to bed or tourism taxes to fund more cultural districts in your community?

No

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

No more tax increases.

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).

Preservation is great until it bites you personally and you cannot remodel your own home due to 

new laws.   

Historic districts are fine but too easy to abuse.

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).

My wife and I have had season tickets to the

Utah Symphony performances for over 30 years.

We look forward to each new season.

 Silvia Catten

Candidate for Millcreek City Council District 1

[email protected]

 www.silvia4millcreek.com

801-358-8072

Millcreek

Salt Lake County

Unaffiliated

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

There is so much value in creativity and expression that is often disregarded completely or forgotten. The government should be equally invested in funding arts and humanities as it is in funding science and math--both of which create a diverse and dynamic society.

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending

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?

Unsure

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? 

Yes

If your office could impact legislation, would you support a bill that exempts cultural non-profits from property tax?

Yes

Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):

I find a lot of value in diversity.

Would you support a minor increase to bed or tourism taxes to fund more cultural districts in your community?

Unsure

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

It's hard to say whether a cultural district would be appropriate in any community. Safety, accessibility, need, and aesthetics are things to consider before implementation of any type of cultural district.

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).

Similar to cultural districts, there should be a substantial amount of thought and consideration before implementing a historical district. 

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).

I am trained in classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and modern dance. I have been a dance teacher for many years and studied it briefly on scholarship in college. Dance has had an incredibly positive impact on my life, and has given me opportunities to travel, work, teach, and learn. Creativity, artistry, and expression continue to be important aspects of my life. 

  Janet A Cannon

Candidate for State Board of Education District #8

[email protected]

 www.janetacannon.com

801-272-3516

Holladay

Salt Lake County

Non-partisan 

UCA Candidate Survey

Should government be involved in funding the arts and humanities?

 Yes

Please explain your answer (one or two sentences is sufficient):

Regarding state funding of schools - there is an abundance of research that shows teaching the arts enhances student education.  Test scores rise when arts are taught in the classroom.  Yet getting our legislative leaders to fund arts programs is difficult.

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending

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?

Increase Spending

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?

Unsure

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?

No

Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):

Property tax goes to support public education.  Utah has the most poorly funded public education system of any state.  I don't think we can afford to exempt organizations from property tax.

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):

The burden of this tax falls on the shoulders of visitors to the state.  I pay this kind of tax when visiting other places.  I am okay with Utah doing this.

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 am not aware of the specifics of this bill, but I am in favor of preserving Utah's unique Heritage.  Several years ago I was quite active in the Utah Heritage Foundation.

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).

When Granite District eliminated Art and Music programs for budgetary reasons, as PTA president I organized PTA volunteers to go into every classroom and help teachers present the art, music and literature curriculum to all students at the elementary.

 Bob Buckles

Candidate for Utah House District 13

[email protected]

 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.

 Jeanne Bowen

Candidate for Utah County Commissioner

[email protected]

 https://www.facebook.com/vote4bowen/

801-210-0421

Provo

Utah 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 arts and humanities are just as important as all the others such as sciences.  We need to help foster and grow all education.

If your elected office could impact the amount of money spent on public K-12 arts & humanities education, what would you choose to do?

Increase Spending

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?

Increase Spending

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?

Yes

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? 

Yes

If your office could impact legislation, would you support a bill that exempts cultural non-profits from property tax?

Yes

Please explain your answer to (one or two sentences is sufficient):

If allowing a non-profit to be exempt would help, I am in favor.

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):

It is a simple way to increase funding.

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).

Unfortunately I don't know enough about this.  But I do like to see the historic houses and areas.  I am sad that often people want to tear down and rebuild when all that is needed is a little help.

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).

I grew up in a very cultural family.  My mom is an artist and I was expected to learn study music.  I believe the arts, culture, and humanities can really change your life.