2023 CANDIDATE SURVEYS

At ASI, advocacy for the arts and cultural sector is an important part of what we do in service of the area’s independent artists, 500+ not for profit cultural organizations, their thousands of employees, and the hundreds of thousands who invest in the cultural sector through their attendance, service, and donations. Learn more about the economic impact of the Western New York arts sector by clicking here.

Each election cycle, Arts Services Inc. poses a series of questions to candidates running for elected office across the region, focusing on the legislative and executive branches. Arts and culture is an important contributor to the area’s economic development, tourism, quality of life, education, and national identity. ASI feels it is important to gauge our candidates’ views on key issues that directly impact the arts and cultural sector.

Survey responses are distributed unedited (except for those answers that exceed the word limit in the optional comment section) in various local Western New York media sources prior to the general election. Those candidates who do not respond are listed in the publications and noted. This year, all candidates’ answers will be made available throughout the election season via several media outlets, ASI, The Greater Buffalo Cultural Alliance, The Cultural Alliance of Niagara, and many cultural organizations and our community partners. It is estimated that this survey is seen by well over 75,000 constituents of the arts and cultural community and others.

This year, ASI sent surveys to candidates in the following races:

Candidate Surveys available

IMPORTANT DATES –

  • Early voting runs Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, November 5, 2023
  • General election is Tuesday, November 7, 2023

VOTING RESOURCES –

SURVEY RESPONSES

City of Buffalo, NY

Name: Joel Feroleto, Democrat
Current Occupation: Councilmember

Would you support a reinstatement of dedicated arts funding in the City of Buffalo, as per the City of Buffalo Arts Commission’s 2023 request, including $400,000 for arts organizations’ operating expenses?

Yes

Would you support continued funding for the $10,000 operating budget for the Buffalo Arts Commission on annual basis?

Yes

To uphold the original intent of the City’s ARP recovery funds, will you allow nonprofit arts organizations to access the small business grants?

Yes

Name: Leah Halton-Pope, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Mitchell Nowakowski, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Brian Bollman, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Murray Holman, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Zeneta Everhart, Democrat
Current Occupation: Government – NYS Senator Tim Kennedy

Would you support a reinstatement of dedicated arts funding in the City of Buffalo, as per the City of Buffalo Arts Commission’s 2023 request, including $400,000 for arts organizations’ operating expenses?

Yes

Would you support continued funding for the $10,000 operating budget for the Buffalo Arts Commission on annual basis?

Yes

To uphold the original intent of the City’s ARP recovery funds, will you allow nonprofit arts organizations to access the small business grants?

Yes

Name: David Rivera, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Matthew Powenski, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Joseph Golombek, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Christopher Scanlon, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Rasheed Wyatt, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

 

 

Erie County Executive

Name: Mark C. Poloncarz, Democrat

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes – As County Executive, I have made it a priority to fund arts and culturals of all sizes over the years for operating needs and Erie County has done its best to steadily increase to help with organizations with rising costs such as wages and inflation. I also directed $25 million of American Rescue Plan funds to be used by small to medium sized culturals for capital projects that is in its second year of disbursement.

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

No – As Erie County Executive, it is my duty to provide balanced and on time budgets that prioritize Health and Human Services first. I pledge to do everything to steadily increase support year over year as I have throughout my administration to help organizations with inflation and rising costs. I will note that Erie County recognizes the area’s additional operating support for our largest culturals from foundations that was recently announced and will prioritize organizations of all sizes not receiving this new stream of support.

Name: Chrissy Casilio, Republican

Chose not to respond

Erie County NY Legislature

Name: Howard Johnson, Jr., Democrat
Current Occupation: Erie County Legislator

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

Name: April N.M. Baskin, Democrat
Current Occupation: Chair, Erie County Legislature and Erie County Legislator

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes – I will continue to focus on investing in public arts projects for Erie County.

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

Name: Michael Kooshoian, Democrat
Current Occupation: Attorney with Block, Longo, LaMarca & Brzezinski, P.C.

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

Name: Stephan Monpremier, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: John A. Bargnesi, Jr., Democrat
Current Occupation: Self Employed – JB’s Landscaping

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes – I have been passionate about the arts for years. I think that they’re necessary for the full expression of people regardless of age. I would support the continued funding of the arts because a world without the arts is a bleak and terrible thing.

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes – I would maintain my support and funding because all people deserve to be a part of the arts at whatever level they choose. It isn’t something that should be dictated by age or income of who can and cannot be involved in the arts.

Name: Scott Marciszewski, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Jeanne Vinal, Democrat
Current Occupation: Partner at Vinal Law

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

Name: Richard Wilkinson, Republican
Current Occupation: General Manager at Emerling Auto Group

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

Name: Christopher Greene, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Ronald Shubert, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Timothy Meyers, Democrat
Current Occupation: Retired from NFTA, currently Erie County Legislator and Majority Leader

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

Name: Michael Zachowicz, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Frank Todaro, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: James Butera, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: John Gilmour, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Deborah Seeber, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: John J. Mills, Republican
Current Occupation: Owner of J. Mills Distributing Inc.

Cultural agencies currently receive $7.7M total from the County (funding is spread across 120 total organizations).Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?

Yes

In 2023, there were 8 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 120 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 ($7.7M 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 its residents?

Yes

 

 

City of Niagara Falls, NY Mayor

Name: Carl Cain, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Robert Restaino, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Niagara Falls, NY City Council

Name: Vincent Cauley, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Kenneth Tompkins, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Niagara County NY Legislature

Name: Noelle Citarella, Democrat
Current Occupation: Registered Dietitian, Buffalo Nutrition and Dietetics, PLLC.

Will you support dedicating a portion of the County’s annual budget to annual operating grant funding for Arts &Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations to ensure continued growth and success of these economic and tourism drivers in Niagara County?

Yes – Supporting arts and cultural organizations in our county is important, not only to drive economic development and tourism, but for vibrant communities. They offer educational opportunities, inspire creativity, give the community something fun to do and improve quality of life.

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

Yes

Name: Christopher McKimmie, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Jeffrey Elder, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Christopher Robins, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Gaelan Baillie, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Christopher Voccio, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Carla Speranza, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Richard Abbott, Democrat
Current Employer: Retired

Will you support dedicating a portion of the County’s annual budget to annual operating grant funding for Arts &Cultural Organizations beyond individual Legislative Appropriations to ensure continued growth and success of these economic and tourism drivers in Niagara County?

Yes – I believe it is extremely important for Niagara County to lead the way in regard to funding our Arts and Culture programs

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

Absolutely, very important component to our community

 

 

Chautauqua County NY Legislature

Name: Marcus Buchanan, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Kevin Muldowney, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Robert Bankoski, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Dennis Welka, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Susan Parker, Democrat
Current Occupation: Chautauqua County Legislator

Will you support dedicating a portion of the County’s annual budget to annual operating grant funding for Arts &Cultural Organizations?

Yes

Provide any way(s) you would (or currently do) support Arts & Cultural activities in Chautauqua County.

Offer funding for community and non profit arts and cultural efforts particularly in underserved areas and in community efforts to involve residents and students in murals, painted crosswalks, and banners. I am have worked with the county and immediate community on complete streets efforts, and believe that community buy- in takes community voices and direct involvement in projects. We need a generation of healthy walkers and bicyclists, along with all users of the roads. Bringing in music, theatre, and streets arts projects is a big step in that direction.

Name: Terry Niebel, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Thomas Harmon, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Jonathan Penhollow, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Pierre Chagnon, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Phillip Landy, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Jorge “Billy” Torres, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Jamie Gustafson, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Julie Jackson-Forsberg, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Robert Whitney Jr, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: David Wilfong, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Fred Larson, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Elisabeth Rankin, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Tom Nelson, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Joseph Tickle, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Daniel Pavlock, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Kurt Gustafson, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

Name: Lisa Vanstrom, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Dalton Anthony, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Amy Thompson, Democrat

Will you support dedicating a portion of the County’s annual budget to annual operating grant funding for Arts & Cultural Organizations?

Yes – I believe that the Arts & Cultural Organizations are one of Chautauqua County’s greatest assets. They help attract population and they improve quality of life for all.

Provide any way(s) you would (or currently do) support Arts & Cultural activities in Chautauqua County.

I am a huge supporter of the arts, both as a consumer and participant. I regularly take in performances, visit our museums, and attend our incredible festivals. I am currently a member of the Jamestown Area Community Orchestra, where I play the violin, and I have also performed in the past with The Living Christmas Tree, the Chautauqua Symphony, and the Chautauqua Chamber Singers. As a teacher, I am an avid supporter of the arts in our schools. I play in the pit orchestra for our school musical each year and volunteer to assist with many other music department events and trips throughout the school year.

Name: Travis Heiser, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Martin Proctor, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Frederick Johnson, Republican

Chose not to respond.

Name: Braiden McElaney, Democrat

Chose not to respond.

CANDIDATES

If you are running for office in 2023, you can complete your survey below.

City of Buffalo, NY

City of Niagara Falls, NY

Erie County, NY

Chautauqua County, NY

Niagara County, NY

VIEW PAST CANDIDATE SURVEY RESPONSES

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