PACA candidate questionnaire: 11/6/06WE HOPE YOU VOTE! --- PACA asked Portland City Council Candidates to answer five arts-related questions. Responses to our questions from 8 of this year's candidates are featured bellow. We sent our candidate's questionnaire out at the last possible minute this year - putting a large amount of pressure on the candidates to provide a quick turn around.
Thank you to all of the candidates for your dedication to our city!Candidate Question 1: PACA believes it is crucial to maintain and grow the number of artists working and living in Portland. As a City Councilor what steps will you take to do this? Cristina Feller, At-large:
I agree with PACA's determination to keep and attract artists to live and work in Portland. Arts and culture underly the essence, the soul, the foundation of any and all communities, including Portland. I would continue to make Portland arts and culture a basic building block of economic development, tourism, and collaboration among government and private partnerships. I would stimulate more public art created by Portland artists, rather than people from "away." I think specialized artists' housing is great. I would support more of that. I would also support the legalization of accessory apartments here in Portland which would allow homeowners to offer rooms to artists, students, and other people who are "critical" to the urban culture of Portland.
Nick Mavodones, At-large:
I served on the City Council Housing Committee when the proposal to sell the Sacred Heart School was brought forward. I supported the sale, which included the renovation to artist work/live space. As a Councilor (which I've been for the past nine years), I would continue to support opportunities for the reuse of City property that could be used for this purpose. Affordable housing for artists, and for that matter non-artists as well, is essential to maintain a vibrant community.
Andres A. Verzosa, At-large:
a. Fund PACA to the full amount it requests from the City Council to help support atists and continue to be an advocate for the creative economy.
b. Create a data base of available studio spaces to help artists find affordable and appropriate studios.
c. Work with prospective landlords and developers to create or renovate bulidings specifically designed for artist live/work spaces.
d. Create low interest loans for artists and art entreprenuers to buy, lease, and develop for artist live/work spaces.
Kevin Donaghue, District 1:
The creative class is a constitency we must work hard to retain as innovative ideas do more for our economic health than do the corporate welfarist strategies like tax increment financing or civic center subsidies. We need a comprehensive plan for economic development that lays a out strategy for the sucess of creative enterprise. As far as artist studios, I believe we should now explore amending our ordinances to allow and encourage home art businesses and to favor studios in industrial areas. In the medium term, however, we must recognize cost-of-living is our first obstacle. On the supply side, I will work with the City Council and the creative community to facilitate construction of a variety of housing options, including live/work options. On the demand side, I will work with the City Council and service industry workers, to enact a living wage ordinance so that creatives might survive on their "day jobs." Creatives and others who are paid reasonably are in far better position to demand the housing at the prices and rents that are demanded by the realtors and landlords and to spend their wages locally, whether for lack of mobility or for love of our city. Little to nothing will happen, however, if creatives do not work for political change.
Kirk Goodhue, District 1:
Portland needs more affordable living spaces so that it becomes known as a "livable" city, economically. This will allow artists to feel they can move here and survive. To do this, changes in current zoning need to take place. Higher density in selected areas is a must. The city must expand allowable uses in some buildings in some areas. In addition, affordable studio space has to be developed. It has to be near public transportation and ideally, near the affordable housing cited above. I would investigate what incentives the city could offer building owners to create/build space appropriate for artists‚ workspaces. A certain percent tax break? A remuneration per unit created from the Public Art Fund? Creative solutions can be found, I am sure.
Cyrus Hagge, District 2:
Creating affordable housing and artists studio space for Portland is an ongoing city issue that I fully support. I think we need to expand our view of who we want to build affordable housing and studio space for so that we include not only visual artists, but those in the performing arts (e.g. dance, stage, music) and literary arts. This is important because the types of housing and studio space needed for those disciplines are different than traditional affordable housing. I was also intrigued with the idea that came up at the last Creative Conversations event that made the point that building artist work spaces is faster and less expensive to build than living spaces and I would like to explore this idea further. Also, I would like to build on the Mayor's Task Force by suggesting that we create a Work Space Development Corporation with a mixture of Artist, City and Business leaders to work to identifying opportunities to create housing and studio space. The City has the tools to rework zoning regulations and offer Tax Increment Financing that will stimulate development of space. I also believe that if we start a process where we can create a vision of where we want to be in 25 years, we can create the right opportunities for more work/live space.
David Marshall, District 2:
As a City Councilor I will reform the City's zoning laws to create more housing, studio space, and live/ work space on the peninsula and a long the major corridors of Portland in order to sustain and grow the artists population in Portland.
Michael Patterson, District 2:
For any artist to exist there are several factors that need to be present:
1.) There needs to be affordable studio space
2.) There needs to be affordable housing
3.) there needs to exist affordable and accessible forums within which artists can exhibit, sell, or perform their art; whether it is in galleries, theaters or other venues.
As the president of the Parkside Neighborhood Association I have worked to address the first of these two factors. We collaborated with the city to develop affordable, artist owned live/work space. This was accomplished through the re-use of the Sacred Heart school and has resulted in 8 affordable condominiums with studios for artists. This model can be replicated in other areas of the city with delinquent and/or underused buildings and I would advocate for this type of program.
Candidate Question 2: Should the City of Portland provide additional funding and technical support to local arts and cultural activities, organizations, and arts agencies working in Portland? Cristina Feller, At-large:
It is my understanding that the City does now and has always supported local arts and cultural activities in many ways. I expect this to continue. Arts organizations and arts agencies are non profits and small businesses, and therefore face the same plight as others in terms of funding and reach. I believe there should be an annual event in Portland called "Art Means Business" implying, of course, that our art and culture underscore a healthy economy. This would give the business community and the tourism industry a chance to focus on the great art in Portland and bring people from all over the country to experience the hype.
Nick Mavodones, At-large:
I believe, over the years, the City has provided considerable funding and assistance in support of a variety of arts organizations. I think this should continue. However, I must say, as a current Councilor and chair of the Finance Committee, any such funding must be screened along with all other requests during the City's lengthy and public budget process. Of course, this and other responses regarding financial questions are guided by three terms served on the Council.
Andres A. Verzosa, At-large:
Yes, Portland and the Greater Portland "Metro" area is the cultural/economic engine of the state and Northern New England and it would behoove the City to support this community and industry in all ways suggested in previous studies and plans that have already been done and fully invest itself in the Creative Economy. An interactive website, periodic publication, marketing, and legistlative support of the arts and cultural resources is vital to presenting and educating the public of the economic and quality of life value of the arts to our community.
Kevin Donaghue, District 1:
Yes. Portland sponsors official subsidies for corporations and real estate developers and there is no reason to then neglect those who create value and define Portland.
Kirk Goodhue, District 1: The influence and significance of the cultural efforts of a community cannot be underestimated in terms of the positive effects, economically and socially. A healthy and robust cultural environment brings many benefits to its citizens. The city needs to further embrace that premise. It sometimes seems that the council has felt that by recognizing a certain area of the city as "The Arts District" it has done its job. That's only a meager start. There are more high-end condominiums going up in and around the Arts District than anything related to art. What‚s wrong with that picture? The council needs to work hand in hand with the arts community ˆ it needs to listen to what the needs are, listen to the direction this community wants to head in and help fulfill those needs and reach that destination.
Cyrus Hagge, District 2:
The reality of the City budget is that there are very few options to increase funding to any organizations. In fact, PACA is one of the few organizations left that is getting city funding for operations. I strongly support continuing the city funding of PACA as the umbrella arts organization for the city. I also would like to see the planning department staff devote time to looking for state and federal grant opportunities in support of the arts in conjunction with PACA or any other organization that would qualify (e.g.; SPACE, St. Lawrence Arts Community Center, Portland Conservatory of Music, etc.). Leveraging city funds as a "match" to a grant could garner Portland additional funding for arts-related projects. We also need to look to the private sector for fund raising opportunities.
David Marshall, District 2:
The City of Portland must gear the economic development department to encourage small business creation in order to grow the creative economy. The City of Portland will also benefit from fully funding the position of Creative Liaison as called for over 10 years ago in the Arts District Plan. The Creative Liaison will be the point person for the creative community and cultural institutions, working to grow the creative economy.
Michael Patterson, District 2:
Yes, especially if the city wants to use it's cultural base as an attraction for business and tourist dollars. There needs to be a plan that marries the designation of the Art's District to an active stewardship of the arts by the city. This leads to the question of how does the city do this without placing a further burden on the taxpayer. I would bring together the economic minds with the artists to look at best practice in other cities that have faced similar challenges so that Portland can truly be best in class.
Candidate Question 3: Public art is an opportunity for Portland to express its enthusiasm and support for the arts in a way that is visible to both residents and visitors - increasing the profile of the arts in Portland. Would you support an initiative to increase funding for Public Art in Portland from .5% to 1% of Capital expenditures? Cristina Feller, At-large:
Yes, I would. While I am committed to strict spending discipline here in the City, I believe that we can find a way to increase funding yet not at the expense of other programs that also receive from .5% to 1% of capital expenditures like the Portland Land Bank Commission. I would require, however, that this increased funding was used in a way that helps sustain the arts in Portland, not just markets it.
Nick Mavodones, At-large:
I'm quite open to discussions concerning an increase in the City's current program. However, I was on the Council when the existing program was initiated by former Councilor Campbell. It was initially proposed at 1% and, after considerable discussion and debate, the Council ultimately supported .5%. Once again, this effort must be balanced against the City's numerous other financial obligations.
Andres A. Verzosa, At-large: YES!
Kevin Donaghue, District 1: Yes.
I also support leveraging the budget to commission work of local artists and to expand the public art universe to include new media and, especially, temporary art. Kirk Goodhue, District 1: Yes
Cyrus Hagge, District 2:
I believe Public Art is an important part of Portland's community spirit enjoyed by tourists and residents alike. I would support increasing the Capital expenditures to 1% because all the public art needs to be maintained and refurbished not just commissioned. We should dedicate part of this funding so that our public art is properly maintained and displayed not just today but forever.
David Marshall, District 2: Yes, investing in public art is a key tool the City of Portland can use to grow the creative economy, distinguish the Arts District, and encourage artists to live and work in Portland.
Michael Patterson, District 2:
Yes, with the caveat that a creative funding mechanism needs to be determined so that the taxpayers are not carrying the whole load of increased expenditure. This happens in conjunction with a clear Public Art policy that is adhered to and supported by the council.
Candidate Question 4: PACA believes that cultural tourism is an important component of Portland's economic development strategy. How can the City of Portland attract more cultural tourists, and what is the role of the arts in this strategy? Cristina Feller, At-large:
Eco tourism, agri-tourism, cultural tourism--they are all parts of the same shared community. People everywhere are searching for more than a great place to buy trinkets on their vacations. Now, when they come to Maine, they are treated to a whole new way of thinking about shared community. Tourists come to places where there's a buzz. There's a strong buzz on Portland. The arts community is getting noticed. I believe we need to make a far greater effort to encourage Portlanders to buy local art. Portland art I hope is part of the Buy Local campaign. The role of the arts is integral to the marketing of any city, especially Portland. I hope we can create a new Art Means Business Advertising Campaign and "sell" Portland art every bit as much as we "sell" the working waterfront or our trails system.
Nick Mavodones, At-large:
Cultural tourism is growing across the country. The City should participate, along with other organizations in a coordinated campaign to attract cultural tourists. These organizations, for example, should include, but not be limited to, the State (I suspect through the Arts Commission), local artists, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other appropriate groups. Obviously, a vibrant arts community provides venues and attractions for tourists to visit.
Andres A. Verzosa, At-large:
By working with the Portland Downtown District, Office of Tourism, Visitors Bureau, and the Economic and Development Office, etc. targeted marketing (in Maine, New England, and Nationally) we can present our events, venues, etc. and promote and cultivate audiences for our arts community here. The First Friday Art Walk is one such successful event that would be a good model to reference - it's website, listing brochure, venue/audience participation, and press relations are a great examples of how art/business/public partcicpation work and are successful and involve hundreds of persons once a month all thru the year.
Kevin Donaghue, District 1:
If Maine wants to facilitate placed-based tourism, it must share revenue with places that invest in their qualities of place, otherwise the incentives are too disconnected. So, over the long term, I will work with our legislatieve delegation and City Council to lobby for meaningful reform in the tax structure that enable places like Portland. More immediately, however, our economic development staff should refocus itself on the success of cultural assets and marketing them widely, clearly, and effectively.
Kirk Goodhue, District 1:
4 It‚s a fairly evident that a vibrant arts/cultural environment will attract visitors, who bring curiosity, intellect and financial resources. To be able to promote (and deliver) Portland as a growing and creative arts/cultural center is vital to our continued growth. I suggest that a percentage of that increased city fund for public art be used to promote Portland as a destination for those seeking an active art community. What better way to enable the community to grow than to spend money to help it grow? That would be to everyone‚s benefit and, in my mind, is the responsibility of the city.
Cyrus Hagge, District 2:
Growing our cultural tourism means we need to comprehensively plan for an Arts District to include new infrastructure projects such as pedestrian way finding so that people can find the Arts District, re- furbishing Congress Square with a view towards making it the Gateway to the Arts District. Looking at how to provide a public transportation alternative on First Fridays so that people can access all participating venues without having to drive or to walk long distances. I would also like to see the marketing arm of the city work with Arts organizations and the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Portland's Downtown District to better advertise our arts district through press releases, travel writers, placement of stories in appropriate national and international magazines and on the internet.
David Marshall, District 2:
The City of Portland can attract more cultural tourists through marketing the Arts District and Old Port together. By creating a cultural connector between the Old Port and the Arts District, longer stays in Portland will be encouraged. The marketing of week-long stay packages to the Arts District and Old Port will attract more cultural tourists.
Michael Patterson, District 2:
First, there needs to be a viable "Art's District" so that artists can afford to have studios, galleries, theaters or other venues. It seems that the city is already leveraging the arts without a future focused support that allows this to be sustainable. Example, artists are moving out of Portland because studio space is too expensive as is living space. We need to look at funding or other economic/technical support that assists artists in remaining in the "Arts District".
Candidate Question 5: What is your favorite arts or cultural event in Portland and why? Cristina Feller, At-large:
First Friday Art Walk is by far and away my favorite event. First it takes place every month and everyone knows when it is. It allows for everyone to meet everyone else in the community, and it draws out residents in an easy, enjoyable way to view and buy art. I work at Maine Time Banks. We just opened The Time Gallery and engaged in our first Friday Art Walk last week. With little advertising, we had more than 100 people come by. We are now filled through March of 07. That's success. And for artist that shares community through Time Banking, we continue to build a sustainable, caring, a creative world.
Nick Mavodones, At-large:
I attend a number of events each year. However, I particularly enjoy the Festival of Nations event held each summer in Deering Oaks. It offers a glimpse into the cultures, and lives, of the many different people who live in this very diverse city.
Andres A. Verzosa, At-large:
Portland's First Friday Art Walk - www.firstfridayartwalk.com It is low barrier economically so that many folks can participate - see the mission on the website!
Kevin Donaghue, District 1: I prefer la vie quotidienne moreover than any given event with official sponsorship - plein aire painting, busking musicians, and any creative collaboration on the street.
Kirk Goodhue, District 1:
For pure party-type fun, it‚s probably Ripple Effect‚s annual event but, I think that Bayside‚s Black Frame Show is, overall, my favorite. To have dozens of artists produce four or so pieces of art, on display and available for a "cash carry" disposition at affordable prices is just terrific. The work is great. The energy and spirit is real, exciting and stimulating. What more could you ask for?
Cyrus Hagge, District 2:
I serve on the MECA board and my wife, Patty is on the board of the SPACE gallery so we enjoy participating in their events, but our favorite regular event is the First Friday Artwalk. It is so much fun to get out and see the art, the studios and the people.
David Marshall, District2:
The First Friday Art Walk is my favorite arts and culture event as it opens the doors of the artists, promotes local art and local business, and encourages everyone to enjoy the arts.
Michael Patterson, District 2:
It is difficult to select just one. My partner and I have numerous paintings from local artists such as Dennis Fournier, Michael Waterman and Connie Hayes to name a few. With that said, I personally love theater. Portland is fortunate to have an equity stage in downtown but has been most unfortunate in the loss of non-equity professional theater in the Arts District.
