This will be our second to last question, as ballots go out so very soon. Given the earlier-today news that the mayor has restored some arts funding to the proposed budget, it’s slightly out of date. But we’re still behind when it comes to arts funding!

In a year with $33 million in additional revenue to work with, Mayor Tom Potter’s proposed budget did not include any funding for new arts related requests—like a $200,000 request for Arts Partners, which funds art programs in schools. Moreover, despite Portland’s reputation for arts and culture, we’re far behind other cities in per capita funding of arts. Are the arts a priority for city funding? Should we increase that funding? If so, what would you do as a city commissioner to make that happen?

Jim Middaugh
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: jimforportland.com
Financial status: $150,000 in public funding, $130,324.67 currently in the bank

Portland’s arts community is vital to the City. It gives the City an economic boost and has gained us favorable attention from around the country. More importantly, though, Portland’s creative community is an irrepressible part of our City’s soul. I will work to make sure City Council does everything it can to help foster the arts.

Funding and public investment. We absolutely need to increase our public funding for the arts, and I’m committed to finding the best, most productive ways to do that. In terms of public investment, we are woefully below average—that’s a shame in its own right, but even more so considering how much the City prides itself on our creative output. Arts Partners, Work for Art, 1 Percent for Art, Art PAC are all things I support.

Affordability for artists. It should come as no surprise that one of the most beneficial things we can do to help the creative community is to make sure they can afford to live in the City. That is why I will fight to maintain a cheap housing stock in the central City and hold the Portland Development Commission accountable for its 30 percent spending requirement on affordable housing.

Where you can live, and work. It will also be important to maintain an adequate stock of cheap flex spaces in the central City. Affordable live/work spaces like the kind found in the central eastside are a large reason why artists and musicians have flocked to Portland instead of more expensive cities like Seattle and San Francisco. During the upcoming review of the Portland Plan, I’ll work to make sure these types of spaces remain available.

Updating performance space laws. The City needs to do more to make sure that young people have access to creative outlets. I’m pleased that the OLCC updated its rules on minors in event spaces. Given the right conditions and control plans, there’s no reason why minors can’t be in performance spaces that serve alcohol. The updated rules will be good for venues, good for musicians and artists, good for minors, and good for the City. I’m proud to have sent written comments to the OLCC on this issue. The City should work with venues to ensure access for our youth based on the new rules.

A space for art. I will explore the possibility of a City-sponsored all-ages music venue/community space. The idea would be for City Council to get the ball rolling on obtaining a space, and then help a non-profit take over management and booking, ensuring equitable use of the venue. We would need to draw on the creative talent pool that Portland is blessed with in order to make it happen.

Ed Garren
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: edforportland.com
Financial status: $4,135.00 in contributions, $1006.64 currently in the bank

Clearly Arts funding is not a priority in this budget. Sadly, funding for arts and social services are usually last on the agenda, and are the first items to get axed in hard times.

The first thing Portlanders can do to change things is elect Democrats to national offices, and state offices. In spite of rhetoric about "fiscal responsibility" what Republicans really do is significantly fund the military war industry, petroleum related industries, and then cry "poor mouth" for things that are good for people, like education, health care, social services and the arts.

With a Democratic administration and congress, we should see a significant re-direction of resources to actually help people, save the planet from carbon emissions, and other vital issues.

As for the Portland City budget, we have similar issues. Does the city want to fund "Rent a Cops" to chase away people with mental illnesses and addiction problems, or does it want to re-direct those resources towards helping people, enhancing the arts, and other issues that help people.

I hope to bring that kind of change to city hall, which is why I am running.

Regards, Ed Garren
www.edforportland.com

Harold C. Williams Two
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: none
Financial status: $1,932.00 in contributions, $1,932.00 currently in the bank

I feel that the arts are a priority and should be funded; but what do the citizens of Portland feel about it. To be honest I’m confused about this $33 million in additional revenue but we need $40million for roads; correct me if I’m wrong does it seem as if we only need $7 million for roads. If the citizens of Portland say the arts are a priority and are willing to pay for it than it is a priority, and I have no problem pushing it through. -Harold C. Williams Two Candidate for Portland City Commissioner position (2)

Fred Stewart
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: fredforportland.com
Financial status: $1,425.00 in contributions, $1,095.00 currently in the bank

I feel art is important to the future of Portland. Art is one of the important languages communities use to express its self to people living today and in the future. Portland's lack of art is surprising when you consider how much development we have seen over the last 30 years. Funding for art displays and education in schools is important and should be considered as vital as the tables and chairs we provide for our children. Yes, funding should be increases, but not just for the sake of throwing more money at something we like. Portland needs to develop, support and fund a plan for art in schools and include art in all developments of parks, green spaces and any development of a structure for commercial or residential use that is 5000 fee or more in size. If the developer can not fit art into their budget, then a fee of 1% of the total improvement cost of the project should be dedicated to art in our schools. I will be posting more ideas on how we can include art in our schools and communities on my blog fredforportland.com this weekend

Nick Fish
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: nickfish2008.com
Financial status: $95,560.54 in contributions, $71,325.81 currently in the bank

I believe arts and culture are a "core value," part of the City's basic infrastructure. Arts and culture are essential pieces to our quality of life, enriching our lives and contributing significantly to the local economy. I serve on the board of directors of the Oregon Cultural Trust, working to increase funding for innovative arts, culture and heritage programs state-wide. Contributions to the trust increased by 20% in 2007. Our long-term goal is to create a $200 million endowment for arts, culture and heritage.

I support RACC's vision of creating "an environment in which the arts and culture of the region flourish and prosper." I was an early advocate for increasing the "Percent for Arts" program to 2%.

I support RACC's budget request for fiscal year 2008-2009 of $3,427,498. I am also passionate about restoring arts education in our schools. That’s why I support spending $150,000 of the current surplus on the regional Arts Partners program – an innovative public-private partnership.

As City Commissioner, I will take a leadership role to ensure increased public and private investment in arts and culture. I will be a strong advocate for RACC, and will partner with Northwest Business for Culture and the Arts (NWBCA) and RACC to advocate for increased public and private support for arts and culture. I will encourage employees to participate in the Work for Art program, and private donors to support Arts Partners. Finally, as a private citizen, my family and I will continue to support local arts organizations with our own resources.