Lead image: Julia Bottoms from ASI

Produced in partnership between Rise and Arts Services Initiative of WNY.

We’re proud to run the research conducted by ASI on every candidates running at county and city levels this November 5, 2019. These are a great way to understand who has taken the time to come up with a position on arts funding, and hold them accountable on these official statements should they win their races. Some answers may surprise you if you’re making assumptions based on party affiliation alone.

Our stance is that the presence rich cultural institutions and the ability for artists to thrive in our region will do more to bring tourists and new residents than rolling out tax breaks for new luxury lofts ever will. And the politicians that speak lip services to the arts, but turnaround to say we’re too broke to fund them should not be first in line to work out tax breaks for the same five developers to build luxury residences and office buildings. If the arts are of value to you, then check out the responses below, and also take into account the politicians who couldn’t be bothered to answer the survey to understand what priority the arts must have for them. Thanks again to ASI for putting this research together.

VOTE on November 5. Let these politicians know you’re engaged and that you’re watching them.

Erie County Executive

Name: Mark C. Poloncarz

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Erie County Executive

Cultural agencies currently receive $6.9M total from the County (funding is spread across 99 total organizations). Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

In 2019, there were 25 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 99 in total) in the County Arts Funding process. Every year new organizations in our County become eligible to apply for funding (due to how many years they have been a nonprofit, or other qualifying requirements). Therefore, this increases the need for overall increased County support.Would you maintain the current County art funding levels ($6.9M total) and maintain a historic annual increase of 5% each budget year so that arts organizations in the entire County can provide accessible arts programs for all of its residents?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Lynne Dixon

Republican, Independent

Current Occupation & Employer: Erie County Legislator

Yes
Optional Comment::
Yes, yearly, my colleagues and I in the Legislature increase funding to cultural organization beyond what current County Executive Mark Poloncarz proposes. The Legislature in a bi-partisan manner has prioritized making sure all cultural groups have access to public funding. Our cultural groups are critical to Erie County and WNY.

Yes
Optional Comment::
The Legislature has always worked to increase cultural funding beyond what the County Executive proposes. Often groups are being left out of funding, luckily Legislators have prioritized making sure these groups have access to the necessary funding they need. Culturals play a vital role in our local economy and I’ve been happy to partner with them and promote them in WNY.

Erie County Legislator, District 1

Name: Howard J. Johnson Jr.

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Erie County Legislator, District 2

Name: April N. McCants-Baskin

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Erie County Legislator District 2

Yes
Optional Comment:

Coming from an arts background, I would support continued funding for arts and culture and hope to be able to work towards increasing it over time. As a theater major in college and a small business owner that focused on performing arts as a learning platform, I understand the importance of the arts in education and how art enriches our daily lives. I cannot think of many more worthy entities than the artistic and cultural groups we fund in Erie County.

Yes

Optional Comment:

I would continue to maintain the current County funding level, and I would support the annual increase wholeheartedly. I would also work to find to bring well-deserving, minority and women owned organizations that have for years gone unseen in the arts and culture community so their work can be brought to the forefront. I hope to bring equal representation to the arts and culture in Erie County by establishing a new County-wide arts focused initiative this year. It is my goal to include members of our local arts community in pieces of public art and also in projects that Erie County provides tax incentives through at the Erie County Industrial Development Agency to both highlight their work and also further the vibrant Arts culture in Buffalo and the surrounding area.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Cariol Horne

Green Party

Current Occupation & Employer: Lyft/Uber Driver

Erie County Legislator, District 3

Name: Lisa M. Chimera

Democrat

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Juan Carlos Rivera

Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Mechanic/ pastor

Erie County Legislator, District 4

Name: Kevin R. Hardwick

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Canisius College Associate Professor of Political Science and Erie County Legislator

Yes
Optional Comment:
This funding has had a significant positive impact on the lives of Erie County residents.

Yes
Optional Comment:

I do not anticipate a budget crisis, as we have been very responsible with our budgeting practices during my tenure on the legislature. If one should occur, however, difficult decisions will have to be made and it might prove impossible to continue the annual increases.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Jacob J. McMahon

Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Former US Marine, Current WNY Veteran’s Housing Coalition

No
Optional Comment:

The taxpayers must come first. If elected I will proudly support the arts, however I cannot pledge to a steadily increased budget without having the facts of next years’ budget, taxes and the needs of the community. I believe it would be irresponsible to pledge spending money we don’t know we have.

No
Optional Comment:

I cannot promise a 5% budget increase that would amount to an additional $345,000 next year, and another $362,250 in additional funding in 2021. Our cultural institutions are important to Erie County, and I plan to support them. However, I will not blindly promise increased public funding.

Erie County Legislator, District 5

Name: Jeanne Vinal

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney, Vinal and Vinal law firm

Yes
Optional Comment:
My husband and I are patrons of many arts organizations and routinely attend productions.

No
Optional Comment:

I am supportive of additional funding for arts and cultural groups, but without more information, I cannot commit to a 5% annual increase automatically.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Shelly D. Schratz

Independent

Current Occupation & Employer: Self Employeed

Optional Comment:

I believe the Arts and Cultures are a central part of our quality of life.

Optional Comment:

I believe the Art and Cultures are the eyes and ears that connects the world. As a small business owner I can honestly say it’s a large part of our success.

Erie County Legislator, District 6

Name: William N. Freeman

Democrat

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Edward A. Rath III
Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Erie County Legislator, representing 6th District and Vice President at VARO Technologies

Yes
Optional Comment:

I reserve my support for “steadily increasing funding” to be determined year by year. Any perspective funding increases are heavily contingent on numerous financial variables contained within each upcoming County budget.

Yes
Optional Comment:

I support maintaining County Art funding levels at $6.9M. In response to “maintaining a historic annual increase of 5%”, this is also to be determined year by year based on financial variables within each County budget.

Erie County Legislator, District 7

Name: Timothy J. Meyers

Democrat

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Alice J. Magierski

Conservative

Chose not to respond

Erie County Legislator, District 8

Name: John Bruso

Democrat

Chose not to respond.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Frank J. Todaro

Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Owner & President of Collision Masters

Optional Comment:

I believe in the importance of arts and culture in our community, however I am running for office to stop wasteful spending and the rising tax burden. I support the arts, but I cannot blindly write a blank check for increased spending. I would be happy to look at a program on its merits each budget year.

Optional Comment:

Without the budget in front of me, I cannot in good faith pledge a 5% budget increase of taxpayer dollars each year, without seeing the programs and current tax rolls. I know the cultural institutions of Erie County serve the people well, and if elected I look forward to working with them to continue to benefit our community.

Erie County Legislator, District 9

Name: John J. Gilmour

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney, Gilmour & Killelea

Yes
Optional Comment:

I support continued and enhanced funding for arts and cultural organizations.

No
Optional Comment:

I will maintain funding but cannot commit to a 5% annual growth for funding without knowing the circumstances, overall budget situation of the County, etc. But I will support additional funding.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Ryan R. Stang

Independent

Current Occupation & Employer: Stang Insurance Consulting

Optional Comment:

I support Arts and Cultural institutions and I have seen the important effect they have on our youth. I am happy to support the arts, however I cannot pledge “steadily increasing funding” without having the programs, budget lines, and tax rolls in front of me. I believe in community, and am happy to work with our Erie County Arts and Cultural Institutions.

Optional Comment:

As a father I have witnessed firsthand the importance of creative thinking, expression, and confidence in my daughter through art and theater classes. I know how important it is, but I cannot sign on for a 5% budget increase every year. I am happy to work with our cultural organizations, but I cannot in good faith write a blank check.

Erie County Legislator, District 10

Name: Thomas Casey

Democrat

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Joseph C. Lorigo

Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney in private practice and Erie County Legislator

Yes
Optional Comment:
Since taking office in 2012, I have consistently supported funding for cultural organizations in the Erie County budget. In fact, I have voted to increase cultural funding levels higher than originally allocated by the County Executive. In addition to supporting cultural organizations in the budget process, I also take the time to visit and meet with many of the organizations who receive county funding. Since 2012, I have personally met with dozens of cultural organizations and their directors as a way to better understand their needs, expectations, and services. This outreach has helped foster a positive working relationship between cultural organizations and other members of the Legislature, since I can attest to the good they do firsthand. While some days have been jam-packed with whirlwind tours, they have been some of the most enlightening and enriching days of my tenure. I look forward to continuing the relationship.

Yes
Optional Comment:
As stated above, I have supported increased funding levels for cultural organizations every year of my tenure as a County Legislator. I have worked to help new organizations gain access to operational and capital funding every year. I will continue to familiarize myself with the many organizations Erie County helps fund, and work towards a more inclusive and fair distribution of county resources.

Erie County Legislator, District 11

Name: Kate Eskew

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Retired professor – Hilbert College

Yes
Optional Comment:
Absolutely! Funding for the arts is critical to our quality of life, engages our communities and provides educational and cultural literacy for our children.

Yes
Optional Comment:
As more arts and cultural organizations meet the funding criteria, I would also advocate for additional funding so that all organizations are adequately funded. 5% should be a minimum increase.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: John J. Mills

Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Self-Employed, Food Distributor

Yes
Optional Comment:
Cultural agencies are part of the fabric of our county.

Niagara County Legislator, District

Name: Wendy Guild Swearingen

Democrat, Independent, Working

Current Occupation & Employer: Buffalo Spree Publishing

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Yes
Optional Comment:
Yes, arts and cultural organizations in Niagara County–like the NACC, Artpark, Fort Niagara, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, Castellani Art Museum, Theatre in the Mist, the Kenan Center, Lewiston Arts Council, festivals, and more are vital to the growth and reputation of our community. I’ve been working with and reporting on the arts for many years. In fact, Buffalo Spree could not exist without the robust arts community. We’ve seen what happens when funds for arts and culturals and libraries are stripped from the budget–it leaves a gaping hole in communities and suppresses investment.

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Optional Comment:
Artists of any medium have valuable insight to share and I look forward to working with members of arts and cultural organizations to expand the vision and possibility in WNY. I’ve seen firsthand the excitement generated by programs at Artpark and the thousands of people who come to each show–which also means hundreds of thousands of dollars, too. There is a plan in the works to reopen the theater at Fort Niagara, as well, which will be a draw to the Town of Porter. Businesses flourish where arts are supported.

Niagara County Legislator, District 2

Name: Rebecca J. Wydysh

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Stephanie L. Kindzia

Democrat, Green, Independent, Working

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 3

Name: Robert F. Bilson

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Mark J. Grozio

Democrat, Working

Current Occupation & Employer: IBEW Local 237

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Yes
Optional Comment:
I would support any additional funding for economic and tourism benefit

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes
Optional Comment:
If they live within Niagara County I would be in favor of the interview process for appointments.

Niagara County Legislator, District 4

Name: Owen T. Steed

Conservative, Democrat, Independent, Working

Current Occupation & Employer: Niagara Falls Police Dept.

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Yes

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes

Niagara County Legislator, District 5

Name: Christopher A. Robins

Conservative, Democrat, Green, Working

Current Occupation & Employer: Teacher Niagara Falls School District

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Yes
Optional Comment:
Yes, I believe the Arts and Culture are a vital contributor to the growth of a community.

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: John G. Accardo

Independent, Republican, Working

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 6

Name: David J. Zajac

Conservative, Independent, Republican, Working

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Dennis F. Virtuoso

Working

Current Occupation & Employer: Retired

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Niagara County Legislator, District 7

Name: Jesse P. Gooch

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Erik A. Herbert

Democrat, Green, Independent, Working

Current Occupation & Employer: North Tonawanda Police Officer

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Yes
Optional Comment:
I would be in favor of supporting art and culture programs in my district and through out Niagara County.

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes
Optional Comment:
I am an advocate for needing change in county government. One way to start improving in this area is to bring in outside ideas and perspectives. I would support art and cultural leaders getting more involved in the process.

Niagara County Legislator, District 8

Name: Richard L. Andres Jr.

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Mark C. Houghton

Democrat, Green, Working

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 9

Name: Randy R. Bradt

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Joseph J. Kissel

Democrat, Green, Independent, Working

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 10

Name: Trevor J. Ganshaw

Democrat, Republican, Working

Current Occupation & Employer: Equipment Operator IBEW 2104

Will you vote for and support annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations in the County Budget?

Yes

Will you work to include Arts & Cultural leaders in county efforts such as appointing them to commissions both within and outside of county government?

Yes

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: David E. Godfrey

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 11

Name: Anthony J. Nemi

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 12

Name: William J. Collins Sr.

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: David J. Mongielo

Conservative

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 13

Name: WM Keith Mc Nall

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Anita Mullane

Democrat, Green, Working

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 14

Name: John Syracuse

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

Niagara County Legislator, District 15

Name: Michael A. Hill

Conservative, Independent, Republican

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Comptroller

Name: Barbara Miller-Williams

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – Delaware District

Name: Joel Feroleto

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Councilmember and Attorney

Arts organizations in the City of Buffalo have struggled with consistent and streamlined distribution of funding from the City. A historic amount of $100,000 has been distributed in the past, shared by an average of 35-40 total arts organizations, intended on being offered on an annual basis. Between the historic City arts funding years of 2012-2019, funding distribution was skipped in years 2014, 2016, AND 2018 – proving an inconsistent, and unclear process; especially for organizations planning for sustainability.Would you support restored, annual grant funding for arts and cultural organizations in the City of Buffalo and increase the historic total amount ($100,000 spread across 35-40 organizations)?

Yes
Optional Comment:
My office is very proud of the collaborations we have had with artists and art and cultural organizations since being elected to the Council in 2015. We have worked with many local and some international artists to add public art to the district. We are always looking to work together so please contact my office with ideas on potential future collaborations.

Buffalo Common Council – Ellicott District

Name: Darius G. Pridgen

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – Fillmore District

Name: Mitchell P. Nowakowski

Democrat, Independent

Current Occupation & Employer: Legislative Assistant, Buffalo Common Council

Optional Comment:

Arts & Cultural funding is imperative to the growth of the City of Buffalo. Through the Arts, we as community learn, grow and progress in a positive way by expressing our self’s through culture and the arts.

Buffalo Common Council – Lovejoy District

Name: Bryan J. Bollman

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – Masten District

Name: Ulysees O. Wingo

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – Niagara District

Name: David A. Rivera

Democrat

Current Occupation & Employer: Niagara District Council Member – The City of Buffalo

Optional Comment:

Funding for Arts organizations is vital to our City’s health. Some of the most rewarding work I’ve participated in as been with our arts & cultural organizations, especially those working with young people. I’ve advocated for funding for arts & culturals to be increased and have funded many organizations, Young Audiences of WNY, Ujima Theatre Company, Buffalo Arts Studio and Peace of the City directly with my member- item funding. I commit to advocated for an increase in funding and a clearer process moving forward for arts and cultural funding from the City of Buffalo.

Name: Mark T. Supples

Republican

Current Occupation & Employer: Restaurant owner

Yes
Optional Comment:
Consistent funding is crucial to arts organizations.Having served on the boards of both Irish Classical and Hallwalls, I understand the relationship between consistent funding and program planning.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Charles R. Tarr

Green Party

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – North District

Name: Joseph Golombek Jr.

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – South District

Name: Christopher P. Scanlon

Democrat

Chose not to respond

Buffalo Common Council – University District

Name: Rasheed N. Wyatt

Democrat

Chose not to respond

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Dorthea Franklin

Green Party

Chose not to respond

2019 Election: Where do your local candidates stand on the arts, arts funding?

Produced in partnership between Rise and Arts Services Initiative of WNY.

Erie County Executive

Erie County Legislator, District 1

Erie County Legislator, District 2

Erie County Legislator, District 3

Erie County Legislator, District 4

Erie County Legislator, District 5

Erie County Legislator, District 6

Erie County Legislator, District 7

Erie County Legislator, District 8

Erie County Legislator, District 9

Erie County Legislator, District 10

Erie County Legislator, District 11

Niagara County Legislator, District

Niagara County Legislator, District 2

Niagara County Legislator, District 4

Niagara County Legislator, District 5

Niagara County Legislator, District 6

Niagara County Legislator, District 7

Niagara County Legislator, District 8

Niagara County Legislator, District 9

Niagara County Legislator, District 10

Niagara County Legislator, District 11

Niagara County Legislator, District 12

Niagara County Legislator, District 13

Niagara County Legislator, District 14

Niagara County Legislator, District 15

Buffalo Comptroller

Buffalo Common Council – Delaware District

Buffalo Common Council – Ellicott District

Buffalo Common Council – Fillmore District

Buffalo Common Council – Lovejoy District

Buffalo Common Council – Masten District

Buffalo Common Council – Niagara District

Buffalo Common Council – North District

Buffalo Common Council – South District

Buffalo Common Council – University District

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