Cole Capener
Candidate for Utah House 53
435-615-8821
Park City
Summit 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):
The arts and humanities contribute greatly to our culture and civilization. Government has a role to promote the arts and humanities for the benefit of the citizenry.
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?
Unsure
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):
I would have to look at the financial impact. While I definitely support government support for the arts, financial impact must be considered. Reducing property tax also punishes schools and I am most passionate about improving public schools in Utah.
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):
Within reasonable limits.
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 support reasonable historic preservation. There will, I suspect, always be tensions between private property rights and society's desire to protect and preserve historical legacies. I'm a believer that stakeholders approaching the issue in good faith can reach a compromise.
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 served on several committees for the Sundance Film Festival during which I lobbied the state legislature for funding.
I was also on the University of Utah Humanities Partnership Board.
I have been a subscriber to Utah Opera.
All these experiences have benefited my life.
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