Terri Hrechkosy // Democrat // Salt Lake County Council

  • How have the arts, culture, and/or humanities impacted your life?
    • I studied Drama and Speech in High school and in College. The arts have always been a big part on my life. As a high school student, I performed in the school plays and the Drama Club. Some of the best time of my life. Took multiple classes in Speech from the University of Utah. All of this training eventually served me in my profession as a Training Specialist, Public outreach Officer and Manager. The training has also served me in my political endeavors. As my children were growing up I felt it important that they were introduced to theater. We were season ticket holders at the Grand Theater and saw many productions at the Children's Theater and the Salt Lake Acting Company. Theater always has been and still is a big part on my life which includes season tickets to the Eccles Theater.
  • 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:
    • The arts and humanities is very important to me and the investment in the community is imperative. The arts are a strong part of the Utah Culture, my late grandmother use to be a director of her Ward's Roadshows, probably my earliest memories of live drama and entertainment. Arts education is perhaps the most important, I believe our youth needs experiences in live Theater, the Symphony, Opera, Art Galleries to name a few. We need to stimulate the young mind by introducing different genres regardless of economic background.
  • Items of Legislation I support:
    • I support the RAP tax
    • I will ensure existing fund balances are preserved for recreation, cultural organizations, and parks
    • Percent for public art programs, which optionally designate 1% of government capital costs for public art
    • My county's redevelopment authority should have a public art ordinance
    • 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 or ZAP programs must be support and protected in the existing communities and wish it could be expanded in communities where it is lacking.
  • I believe percent for art ordinances should apply to:
    • Public buildings
    • Transportation
    • Utilities
    • Private Developments
    • All government capital projects
  • Anything else we should know about you?
    • I have always been interested in the arts, I believe it is important that our youth have access to and experiences with the arts, from live theater, dance, orchestra or symphony, art galleries and opera. I am concerned about our undeserved or below poverty level youth that they have limited access to the various cultural mediums. I believe the arts are an important part of a child's education and sorry that it is missing from most educational curriculum. I thank you for your time and taking into consideration my application.