2014 Candidates Survey
Conducted and by Arts Services Initiative of Western New York
ASI sent the survey to all candidates listed below at the address given on their nominating petitions, as well as to any campaign websites and social media sites that could be found. While every effort was made to make the candidates aware of the survey, it can not be guaranteed that those who did not respond saw the survey. No candidate indicated they chose not to respond. If ASI receives any additional responses after the publication deadline, they will be posted at asiwny.org.
New York State Governor
Questions:
1. Please list your top three priorities if elected:
2. What is the role of arts and culture in New York State?
3. Would you propose in your budget to decrease, hold steady, or increase grant funding for cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts if elected, and why?
4. The Governor of the State of New York has the power to prioritize or highlight issues through their public appearances, speeches, and interviews. If elected, how vocal would you be in promoting arts and culture through your public appearances?
Name: Andrew M. Cuomo
Office Sought: New York State Governor, Incumbent
1. For the past four years, I have tried to address long standing economic, social and cultural issues facing this state. Specifically, I worked to create jobs throughout the state and in fact worked with the private sector to create more private sector jobs in this state than any other state (with one exception) since the recession. This means real reform for ordinary New Yorkers. I also worked to return New York to its rightful place as the progressive capital of the nation by advancing *(answer over limit)
2. Arts and culture is key to New York’s identity and its culture. New York is the epicenter of the arts and culture economy in this country. We have cultural institutions that drive the national and international conversation on the role of arts and culture in our lives and reminds us that without the arts we are incomplete. I continue to believe that we must fully support the arts and culture in our schools, in our institutions and in our lives, for it not only enriches us as New Yorkers but *(answer over limit)
3. It is premature to evaluate budgetary issues, but preliminary I would support at the very least holding steady cultural organizations grant funding in New York State.
4. I have and will continue to support arts and culture in my public appearances and remain open to how my Administration would be even more vocal in our support for arts and culture in New York State.
• • •
Name: Rob Astorino
Office Sought: New York State Governor
Current Occupation & Employer:
Astorino did not respond to the survey.
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Name: Randy A. Credico
Office Sought: New York State Governor
Current Occupation & Employer:
Credico did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Zephyr R. Teachout
Office Sought: New York State Governor
Current Occupation & Employer:
Teachout did not respond to the survey.
New York State Senate & Assembly
Questions:
1. Please list your top three priorities if elected.
2. What is the role of arts and culture in our community?
3. Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase grant funding for cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts if elected, and why?
4. Several of the Regional Economic Development Council plans throughout the state include arts and culture as a priority or targeted industry, but the WNY plan only mentions it in the context of tourism. If elected, would you advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY REDC plan and for a cultural representative to sit on the council, and why?
New York State Senator - 59th District
Name: Patrick Gallivan
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 59th District, Incumbent
1. Fiscal Responsibility Economic Development Equitable Distribution of Aid to Education
2. Enrichment of quality of life
3. I have and will continue to support funding recommendations put forth by the NYS Council on the Arts
4. I am supportive of a cultural representative sitting on the REDC to ensure arts and culture are properly considered as an economic development tool/strategy.
New York State Senator - 60th District
Name: Mark J. Grisanti
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 60th District, Incumbent
1. If reelected to the State Senate my priorities would be bringing good paying jobs to Western New York, continuing to lower taxes on our middle class working families, and ensure Western New York receives its fair share of aid from New York State.
2. Arts and Culture play a vital role in our community, throughout history both arts and culture have been indicators of the successes of various cultures. I believe having support in arts and culture is reflective of a community that is supportive of one another. Arts and culture serve as linchpins to the educational process not only for adults but for our children as well. Arts and Culture help to shape the positive outlook a community is facing, and as such should be supported.
3. I would vote to increase funding for projects funded through the NYS Council on the Arts. I currently serve on the New York State Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation and have had the opportunity as such to meet with *(answer over limit)
4. I would gladly advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture in the WNY Regional Development Councils plans, as well as for the inclusion of a cultural representative. Other REDC throughout New York have seen fit to include arts and culture in their *(answer over limit)
• • •
Name: Alfred T. Coppola
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 60th District
Current Occupation: Retired
1. Education Environment Art Services
2. The impact that art and culture can have in our society is profound.
3. Increase funding, to be on the national stage.
4. Yes
• • •
Name: Marc C. Panepinto
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 60th District
Current Occupation & Employer: Partner Dolce Panepinto- Lawyer
1. My top three priorities are to raise the minimum wage turning it into a living wage, pass the Women’s Equality Act (WEA) and to fully fund our public schools and reform the Common Core. I will also fight to end corporate welfare that places an unjust tax burden on the middle class and for IDA reform that promotes local job growth.
2. Arts and culture are the fabric that tie our community together. Whether a sporting event, a gallery opening, or a free movie night, without the culture industry our community would be left depleted and wanting. Furthermore, our cultural economy in Western NY is an engine of job creation.
3. I would vote to increase grant funding for any and all cultural institutions that can create good paying, local jobs while enriching our communities.
4. I believe including an advocate or arts and cultures in the WNY REDC plan is a great idea. The cultural economy in our district is more comprehensive than just its tourism aspect. And in strengthening our economy its important to search all avenues and aspects of our Arts and Culture communities for opportunities to do create jobs.
• • •
Name: Kevin T. Stocker
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 60th District
Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney
1. Candidate did not reply.
2. Integral. Helps make life worth living, brings joy & happiness to our daily routines.
3. Increase.
4. Yes.
New York State Senator - 61st District
Name: Michael H. Ranzenhofer
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 61st District, Incumbent
Ranzenhofer did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Elaine Altman
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 61st District
Current Occupation & Employer: Director of Staff Development, Ken-Ton UFSD
1. Equality for Women inclusive of Reproductive Rights
Public Education and Fair Funding for all schools inclusive of restoration of valuable programs for students Returning control to Municipalities to form coalitions which support workers, students and communities
2. The arts represent a recapitulation of what humanity is capable of creating. Works of art provide a historical representation of creativity which is thoughtful, expressive and original. This is my 24th year in public education. I can tell you with certainty that students who are fortunate to participate in art and music classes throughout their educations understand the importance of practice, completion of work from “draft to masterpiece” and the value of creative expression.
3. Ideally, I would want funding to increase under the auspices of the NYS Council on the Arts. The varied types of opportunities which they fund very often become part of our culture and heritage.
4. I feel that all community stakeholders inclusvie of the arts and culture should be represented on the council. The arts are an integral component regarding economic development for our region.
New York State Senator - 62nd District
Name: Johnny G. Destino
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 62nd District
Current Occupation & Employer: Attorney - Self-employed
1. Creation of jobs for working families by reducing the local energy costs and investing in infrastructure redevelopment. 2. Immediate restoration of funding for public education by ending the Gap Elimination Adjustment and increasing Foundation Aid. 3. Creating a Student Loan Relief program for NYS families so that they can affordably refinance the high-cost student loans their children incur in furtherance of their education.
2. The role of arts and culture in Niagara and in WNY is to amplify the quality of life for its citizens, tourists, and visitors. We are fortunate to host many cultures from around the world as they come to see Niagara Falls. It is important to show these visitors that we appreciate them and their culture through art and through events that we can celebrate together. Niagara Falls is also home to many talented musicians, artists, writers, dancers, sculptors and more- who want nothing more than to *(answer over limit)
3. I will encourage art and culture in Niagara and provide funding for cultural organizations, activities, school and after school art programs, and also work to initiate cultural and art programs for senior citizens. I will explore ways to increase budgetary allocations for a variety of cultural organizations to further improve the quality of education and experience for those they serve.
4. It is imperative to hear a voice and advocate for the artists. As we know, art and music are the first programs to be cut when school budgets are slashed. We cannot afford to disregard the importance of local artists and their contributions to not only the quality of life of local citizens, but for the quality of experience for tourists and visitors. Their contributions have an effect on local business, job creation, and with the identity of a region.
• • •
Name: Robert G. Ortt
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 62nd District
Current Occupation & Employer: Mayor, City of North Tonawanda
1. 1. Improving the economic and business climate through comprehensive tax and regulatory reform. Less taxation means more private investment and jobs. 2. Protecting our Constitutional rights. This includes but is not limited to repeal of the NY SAFE act. 3. Public education. Repeal of reform of Common Core and making sure that our public schools are funded to the greatest extent possible.
2. I believe the arts and culture have a significant role in attracting families, as well as businesses. They bring in revenue to our communities and can act as economic engines as well as improve quality of life. As Mayor of North Tonawanda we are blessed with The Riviera Theatre, Alan Herschel Carousell Museum, as well as the Carnegie Arts Center, all of which have undergone renovations. Hundreds of thousands of people visit these destinations, and by extension, North Tonawanda, every year.
3. There are many competing priorities that the public expects us to provide for. I will work to ensure that the arts and culture receive the greatest funding possible. If we can maintain current levels, I think that would be appropriate.
4. Yes. Because, as I have stated, I have seen how arts and culture can bring jobs and additional development to a community. The purpose of the WNY REDC is to spur development and help create jobs. I believe that arts and culture are part of that.
New York State Senator - 63rd District
Name: Timothy M. Kennedy
Office Sought: New York State Senator – 63rd District, Incumbent
1. Putting Western New Yorkers back to work by attracting new businesses to the region that create jobs.
2. Arming our workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to fill the jobs being created.
3. Pushing aggressive reforms to our Child Protective Services system and increasing penalties for those abuse children.
2. With word-class museums, art collections and our celebrated and historic architecture, Western New York’s arts and cultural institutions play a major role in our thriving tourism sector. They not only enrich the lives of those visiting or spending time in Western New York, but they also enrich the lives of those who live here. Arts and cultural tourism will long remain an important force driving the economic success of Buffalo and Western New York.
3. I have supported numerous cultural organizations in their pursuit of New York State Council on the Arts funding. I support continuing to increase grant opportunities for arts and cultural organizations in our community.
4. Yes, arts and cultural institutions play a key role in our economy, and individuals who represent the industry should have the opportunity to offer their expertise to help Western New York utilize and build upon our region’s cultural assets.
• • •
Name: Betty Jean Grant
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 63rd District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Grant did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Madonna M. Priore
Office Sought: New York State Senate – 63rd District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Priore did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly – 140th District
Name: Robin Schimminger
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 140th District, Incumbent
Schimminger did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: William Reece
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 140th District
Current Occupation & Employer: Coppersmith, Glencroft Copper, Skilled Artisan- Arment
1. If elected, My priorities will include maintaining and growing the current level of funding to the WNY arts community, Working to improve the flow of information to and from Albany, and working non-stop to ensure Buffalo isn’t left out of New York State’s recovery.
2. I couldn’t imagine a Christmas season without seeing the Buffalo Chorale Arts Society at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, led by the amazing Marcia Giambrone, or of ending the summer without visiting the Elmwood Art Festival. Buffalo has a long and glorious history of fostering art and artists and I will keep the arts in the forefront of any decision I have the opportunity to make on your behalf.
3. I would vote to increase grant funding, because it’s the right thing to do.
4. It should be included as not only a tourism draw, but as a means of bringing people back to the urban core to live and thrive. I believe a cultural representative sitting on the REDC would be a good step to achieve that goal.
Member of Assembly - 141st District
Name: Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 141st District, Incumbent
Peoples-Stokes’ survey was not received.
• • •
Name: Antoine M. Thompson
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 141st District
Current Occupation & Employer: Consultant and Licensed Real Estate Agent
1. My top three priorities includes: Assisting people with securing jobs, improving the schools, and allocating more state money to community housing agencies.
2. I believe that the arts are critical to making well-rounded people, achieving cultural diversity and creating jobs.
3. I would fight to increase grant funding for cultural organizations through the NYS Council for the Arts.
4. I would definitely fight to secure money for the Arts in the Regional Economic Development Council. This is simply unacceptable!!!!
• • •
Name: Veronica Nichols
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 141st District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Nichols did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 142nd District
Name: Michael P. Kearns
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 142nd District, Incumbent
1. a. Leadership change in Albany with accompanying rules changes making the Assembly and state government more responsive to the people. b. Improving and enriching the lives of all Western New Yorkers. c. Making sure the needs and concerns of all constituents in the 142nd District are met.
2. The arts inspire all aspects of the community and economy, creative thinking and discipline are one of the primary pillars of civilization and community. I think President Kennedy said it best, “I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft. I look forward to an America which will steadily raise the standards of artistic accomplishment and which will steadily enlarge cultural opportunities for all of our citizens.”
3. I would vote to expand funding for the Arts Council because we know through past successes that investment in the arts leverages additional development.
4. Yes. Ireland is investing in Toronto to promote tourism. Buffalo and WNY has an opportunity to be part of this conversation and foster relationships which can boost tourism with the support of the State and Regional Economic Development Council.
Member of Assembly - 143rd District
Name: Camille Brandon
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 143rd District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Brandon did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Mark M. Mazurek
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 143rd District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Mazurek did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Angela Wozniak
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 143rd District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Wozniak did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 144th District
Name: Jane L. Corwin
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 144th District, Incumbent
Corwin did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 145th District
Name: John D. Ceretto
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 145th District, Incumbent
Ceretto did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 146th District
Name: Raymond W. Walter
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 146th District, Incumbent
Current Occupation & Employer:
Walter did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Steven G. Meyer
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 146th District
Current Occupation & Employer: Full-time candidate, because the people deserve full-time work on their behalf
1. As the only candidate for State Legislature in the entire nation who absolutely refuses to accept any campaign contributions from corporations and lobbyists, a major plank of my platform relates to government ethics reform. I believe that politicians who are convicted of corruption should be forced to give up both their pensions and benefits, because the hard working people of WNY deserve better than that. Another top priority of mine will be to reform our tax code, because I believe that it *(answer over limit)
2. I firmly believe that art and cultural expression unites communities through a mutual appreciation and understanding for human expression. Art, in all of it’s forms, serves as a mechanism for communication between humans who may otherwise have no means of communication. From a philosophical standpoint, it liberates the human mind by allowing people to express opinions, thoughts, and statements through a dynamic perspective. From a practical and political standpoint, arts and culture build str *(answer over limit)
3. I would consistently vote to increase grant funding for cultural organizations through the Council on the Arts because I strongly believe that the foundation of any successful society exists within the fabric of it’s community. There is no doubt in my mind that strong communities build a strong economy- and I believe that in order to build a strong community, we need to encourage cultural and artistic expression as a means of connections among residents.
4. Western New York has a very dynamic artistic culture, one that I honestly believe cannot be found anywhere else in the country. For those here who are involved in the arts, they know exactly what I mean when I say that this community that has been *(answer over limit)
• • •
Name: Ken Smith
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 146th District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Smith did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 147th District
Name: David J. DiPietro
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 147th District, Incumbent
Current Occupation & Employer:
DiPietro did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 148th District
Name: Joseph M. Giglio
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 148th District, Incumbent
Current Occupation & Employer:
Giglio did not respond to the survey.
Member of Assembly - 149th District
Name: Sean M. Ryan
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 149th District, Incumbent
1. Reform the practices of the Industrial Development Agencies. Make sure that the waterways in WNY are clean and accessible to everyone. Continue the economic progress in Buffalo.
2. Arts and culture make a community more attractive to outsiders, whether those be businesses looking to move here or simply individuals looking for a new start in a new city. Like having beautiful park space, having a thriving arts culture increases the livability and overall satisfaction with a community.
3. Increased funding for the arts has a net benefit to communities across New York. Increasing the funding to these organizations is an important part of continuing the progress made in Western New York.
4. Art should be a consideration for the REDC. I would support the call to place a cultural representative on the council. This is an important segment of our community. To not have it on the council is to ignore a large part of what makes us great.
• • •
Name: Lawrence J. Speiser
Office Sought: New York State Assembly – 149th District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Speiser did not respond to the survey.
Representative in Congress- 26th District
Name: Brian Higgins
Office Sought: U.S. House of Representatives, New York – 26th District, Incumbent
1. Please list your top three priorities if elected: Creating jobs & economic growth is the foundation of my service. I support a robust investment in infrastructure to put people back to work & make our transportation system more efficient. Increasing funding for medical research promotes job growth at the BNMC. Cleaning up the Great Lakes protects the investment we are making at our waterfront. This supports WNY’s vibrant arts community as evidenced by Main St. work supporting our Theater District & new cultural offerings on the waterfront.
2. What is the role of arts and culture in our community? Arts and Culture are clear economic drivers, with a annual local impact in excess of $150 million. The arts also play an important role in enhancing the truly extraordinary quality of life we enjoy here in Western New York. The entire region benefits from collaboration between the public sector, private sector and arts community.
3. Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase funding for cultural organizations through the National Endowment for the Arts if elected, and why? I have consistently supported increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts because its grants have a positive economic multiplier effect, especially in communities with many significant cultural institutions like Western New York.
4. If elected, would you support the passage of the Artist Museum Partnership Act (HR 4282), which allows artists to deduct from their income tax the fair market value of their work when they donate their work to charitable collecting institutions? Yes. I am a cosponsor of this legislation.
• • •
Name: Kathy Weppner
Office Sought: U.S. House of Representatives, New York – 26th District
Current Occupation & Employer: Dennis M. Weppner PC
1. Please list your top three priorities if elected: Bring millions of fulltime jobs back to the U.S. so citizens can put food on their tables and raise their families. Help people get off public assistance. We must get our healthcare system back from the federal bureaucracy that has hijacked it. Adding more administrators and processors that extract incomes from premiums does not deliver actual care. Insurance and care are two different things. Get the federal government out of our children’s classrooms.
2. What is the role of arts and culture in our community? I spent endless hours at the Museum of Science, Buffalo Zoo, Tift Nature Preserve for summer programs, TOY, the Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Philharmonic and every other venue for families while my children were growing up. They were a VITAL part of what it was to live in Western New York and we had season passes so we went OFTEN! It is VERY important and is what families look for when they decide to relocate. It is a way that children become inspired.
3. Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase funding for cultural organizations through the National Endowment for the Arts if elected, and why? It would be fantastic if we didn’t need them! We should be a thriving community with so many patrons that they are self sustaining. Half of the NEA budget is payroll, spending 75 million dollars on paying people to process requests from us!
4. If elected, would you support the passage of the Artist Museum Partnership Act (HR 4282), which allows artists to deduct from their income tax the fair market value of their work when they donate their work to charitable collecting institutions? We shouldn’t single out one profession to do this. If it is fair for artists then it should be fair for anyone making anything and donating it. I would agree to that!
• • •
Name: Emin Egriu
Office Sought: U.S. House of Representatives, New York – 26th District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Egriu did not respond to the survey.
Representative in Congress- 27th District
Name: Chris Collins
Office Sought: U.S. House of Representatives, New York – 27th District, Incumbent
Collins did not respond to the survey.
• • •
Name: Jim O’Donnell
Office Sought: U.S. House of Representatives, New York – 27th District
Current Occupation & Employer:
O’Donnell did not respond to the survey.
Erie County Legislator - 3rd District (To Fill Vacancy)
Name: Peter Savage
Office Sought: Erie County Legislator – 3rd District, Incumbent
1. Please list your top three priorities if elected: My top three priorities are: 1. Budget responsibly to ensure that Erie County’s finances remain stable so we can fund critical investments and provide services to our residents; 2. Ensure that we provide funding to support our cultural institutions, libraries, and infrastructure; 3. Be accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of the constituents of the 3rd Legislative District.
2. What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Erie County? Arts and culture play a pivotal role in our community and Erie County. They not only generate tourism, serve as a catalyst for economic development activity, but perhaps most important represent a significant aspect of our identity, heritage and pride as a region.
3. Would you vote to decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations if elected, and why? As a member of the Erie County Legislature, I am committed to working with my partners in government to explore opportunities for additional funding for cultural organizations if available, and will strongly oppose any effort to cut cultural funding.
4. Would you support the creation of a committee to discuss dedicated funding for the cultural sector? I am open to working with my partners in government and community stakeholders to explore and discuss opportunities to aid in funding for the cultural community.
• • •
Name: Anthony Amir Johnson
Office Sought: Erie County Legislator – 3rd District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Johnson did not respond to the survey.
Buffalo Common Council Member - University District (To Fill Vacancy)
Name: Rasheed N. C. Wyatt
Office Sought: Buffalo Common Council – University District, Incumbent
1. Please list your top three priorities if elected: Community Engagement Crime Jobs
2. What is the role of arts and culture in our community in general, and specifically in Buffalo? I believe arts and culture provide an insight into the heart and history of our City. They are necessary ingredients to give our city a uniqueness and life.
3. If elected, will you decrease, hold steady, or increase operational funding for cultural organizations and establish a merit-based, peer review process for cultural funding allocations such as the Buffalo Arts Funding Advisory Committee? I would hold steady the current funding for cultural organizations, and look for opportunities to increase as the City budget allows.
4. Will you enforce the One Percent for Public Art ordinance already on the books that requires all projects receiving city funding to allocate one percent of the total project to public art? I support the one percent for public Art ordinance.
• • •
Name: James E. Rozanski
Office Sought: Buffalo Common Council – University District
Current Occupation & Employer:
Rozanski did not respond to the survey.
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