2006 RI Candidates for seats in the General Assembly express their strong support for the arts, according to a recent survey of candidates for the legislature conducted by RI Citizens for the Arts. Seventy-four percent of respondents support an increase to the State Arts Budget by $400,000 – the amount reflecting RI Citizens for the Arts’ current Campaign for the Arts.
| SENATE | ||||||||||||||||
| Question 1: What arts activities have you or your family attended, participated in or supported in the last year? (check all that apply) | ||||||||||||||||
| District | Affiliation | Name | Question 1: Music | Question 1: Theater | Question 1: Visual Arts | Question 1: Literary Arts | Question 1: Dance | Question 1: None | Question 1: Other, please specify | Question 2: The arts add to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, towns and cities. Question: How aware are you of your constituent's participation and presence of the arts within your district? | Question 3: I support increasing funding to schools for the specific purpose of bringing more arts programming into or restoring arts programming in the schools. | Question 4: If elected, I would increase support identifying new and appropriate strategies to provide public funding for the arts that will increase Rhode Island’s competitive advantage and contribute to a higher quality of life for those that live here. | Question 5: In the past, what have you supported and/or voted for that furthered the growth of the arts in Rhode Island? Give specific examples: | Question 6: What offices or committees have you been involved with that directly affect the arts? | Question 7: If elected, I will support: | |
| 1 | Republican | Donald C. Izzo Jr. | X | Not at all aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||||||
| 4 | Republican | Gary G Jerejian | X | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Agree | Neutral | PPAC,Trinity Rep. | Keeping the level of funding the same. | |||||
| 5 | Republican | Robert Stephen Berrillo | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Member, Providence Art Club; member, MFA-Boston; Past President, RI Civic Choral Orchestra; Strong advocate of Columbus Theatre in Prov; Member, World Affairs Coucil; Member, National Trust; Former Member of Board of Directors, Royal Philharmonic Academy in Bologna, Italy | Same as above | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 5 | Democrat | Paul Jabour | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Involved in fundraising for the RI International Film Festival, Board Member, Federal Hill House; Program for Children and Day Care - Outreach, Press | Presently on I-195 commission, concerned about space and use and funding of projects. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 5 | Green | Jeff Toste | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Long time supporter: AS220, Black Rep, Dirt Palace, Etc.; Am an artist with degree in illustration and design, musician and former owner of independent recording label. | Former co-chair of Green Party of Rhode Island where I organized and promoted arts based fundraisers | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 7 | Republican | Scott Hacker | X | X | I play classical guitar | Very aware | Strongly agree | I have never served in elective office but I have donated to RI Philharmonic, WSBE and WBUR Classical programming | I play classical guitar and study at New England Conservatory. I also play classical guitar for the Providence Mandolin Orchestra--and serve as Treasurer | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 11 | Republican | Christopher Scott Ottiano | X | X | Somewhat unaware | Agree | Agree | I am a first time candidate. As a graduate of Wesleyan University I have maintained a love of the arts (even though I have no talent of my own. I have not voted on any such issues. | None. | Keeping the level of funding the same. | ||||||
| 11 | Democrat | Senator Charles J. Levesque | X | X | Aware | Agree | Agree | Keeping the level of funding the same. | ||||||||
| 12 | Democrat | Eileen Spillane | X | X | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 12 | Republican | Senator June N. Gibbs | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Agree | Agree | Member: Newport Art Museum, Island Moving Co, Redwood Library | Senate Finance Committee | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 21 | Republican | Senator Leo R. Blais | X | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Agree | Tax Free Artists Zone in Providence | Senate Finance | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 27 | Republican | Robert B Lancia | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | None. Recently returned to Rhode Island from military service and have spent the last two years regrowing a church. | None. Former military chaplain and pastor. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 27 | Democrat | Senator Hanna M. Gallo | X | X | X | X | My daughter is an art student! | Somewhat aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | I voted to give tax breaks to the film industry. Created art districts that received tax benefits. Grants to the arts. I went to the PPAC fund raiser. | I sit on the finance committee. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||
| 28 | Republican | Ivan G Marte | X | I'm a artist, with individual and collectively exh | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | I'm currently the treasure for Rhode Island art organization and a artist myself and my work will be exhibit in capitol hill next month. | individual and collectively art exhibition throughout new york, miami, new jersey, rhode island, puerto rico and the dominican republic and I'm looking for resources to exhibit my work all around. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 28 | Democrat | Joshua Miller | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | i HAVE BEEN AN ACTIVE SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS FOR MOST OF MY LIFE,INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR TRINITY REP. PAWTUCKET ARTS FESTIVAL, CITY ARTS, MANY OTHERS. | AS220, CITY ARTS, RIEDC, PROVIDENCE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL, WATERFIRE. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||
| 32 | Republican | Senator David E. Bates | X | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Agree | Art Districts in Providence | None that I'm aware of | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 36 | Republican | William J Connelly | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | My wife and I have been Patron Sponors for PPAC's Annnual Gala. This past summer we hosted an artist exhibiting at the Wickford Art Festival in our home. We've also attended openings in support of area artists. | PPAC Annual Gala | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 38 | Republican | Senator Dennis L. Algiere | X | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Introduced legislation for arts district in Westerly. Supported art districts in other communities. Lobbied on behalf of RI Arts Council funding. Supported arts in Westerly through legislative grants. | Board of Directors, Chorus of Westerly; Board of Directors, Old Town Hall Museum; President Advisory Council on the Arts; Past involvement in Downtown Westerly Task Force (promotion of arts) | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||
| HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | ||||||||||||||||
| Question 1: What arts activities have you or your family attended, participated in or supported in the last year? (check all that apply) | ||||||||||||||||
| District | Affiliation | Name | Question 1: Music | Question 1: Theater | Question 1: Visual Arts | Question 1: Literary Arts | Question 1: Dance | Question 1: None | Question 1: Other, please specify | Question 2: The arts add to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, towns and cities. Question: How aware are you of your constituent's participation and presence of the arts within your district? | Question 3: I support increasing funding to schools for the specific purpose of bringing more arts programming into or restoring arts programming in the schools. | Question 4: If elected, I would increase support identifying new and appropriate strategies to provide public funding for the arts that will increase Rhode Island’s competitive advantage and contribute to a higher quality of life for those that live here. | Question 5: In the past, what have you supported and/or voted for that furthered the growth of the arts in Rhode Island? Give specific examples: | Question 6: What offices or committees have you been involved with that directly affect the arts? | Question 7: If elected, I will support: | |
| 4 | Democrat | Representative Gordon D. Fox | X | X | Somewhat aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Led the intitiatives to increase funding to Trinity Rep., AS220, Perishable Theater, Black Rep., and PPAC Helped draft legisltion to create the film making tax credit program. Provided initial state funding, and continued funding, of Waterfire. | Member, PPAC board of trustees | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 7 | Democrat | Representative Joanne, M. Giannini | X | X | X | X | LUKAMI CENTER FOR ARTS, CULTURAL EVENTS | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | SUPPORTED TO FUND GRANTS COUNCIL OF ARTS SUPPORTED LOCAL ARTISTS TAX BREAKS ON LOFTS SUPPORTED GRANTS TO LOCAL ARTISTS IN NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORTED WATERFIRE FROM BEGINNING | I HAVE SERVED ON THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||
| 7 | Republican | Jeffrey R Szymanski | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Strong advocate for music and arts within my high school | Keeping the level of funding the same. | |||||||
| 8 | Democrat | Representative Steven M. Costantino | X | X | X | Very aware | Neutral | Strongly agree | sponsor of legisdlation to expand the srts district in providence support of increased funding for waterfire,ppac,trinity rep,black rep.perishable theater,as2000 and artix | chairman,house finance committee | As House Finance Chair, cannot answer the last question. Cannot say he will give money to any one group… only other choices are the keep the same or decrease - so I chose not to choose. | |||||
| 12 | Democrat | Representative Joseph S. Almeida | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Agree | Voted for tax breaks for the movie industry | none | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 14 | Republican | Dorrine L Albright | X | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Agree | Agree | I've never held office before, however I frequently attend performances at the PPAC and RIC as well as many other local community theater groups and schools. Growing up, music and theater were a very big part of my life. I have played classical piano since I was six years old in addition to having had violin, guitar, drum and dance lessons while growing up. I also spent several years involved in community theater. I was fortunate that my mother was able to give me those opportunities and it saddens me that many children do not have access to the arts. Something which sounds so simple as learning to play an instrument can have a huge impact on a child's life--giving them self-confidence and something positive to have in their lives. We need to restore funding for music in the schools and ensure that children have access to the arts from a young age. | none | |||||
| 14 | Democrat | Representative Charlene M. Lima | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | 1) 1% for Public Art Law-on capital appropriations for purchase of arts: 2) Tax Incentives for artists who "work and live" in RI Districts: 3) Film tax credits to allow movies and tv to be filmed in RI: 4) Supporter of PPAC with Joseph Walsh. I MINORED IN THEATER AT URI; I WAS HOUSE MANAGER AND DESIGNED COSTUMES FOR PLAYS I ACTED IN PLAYS; **STUDIED BALLET UNDER HERCI MARSDEN*** HAD A WALK ON PART IN THE PILOT OF THE BROTHERHOOD. | RI FILM & TV OFFICE; PPAC with Joseph Walsh; House Finance Committee | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 17 | Democrat | Representative Robert B. Jacquard | X | X | Not at all aware | Agree | Agree | I do support efforts to have a percentage of money used for public buildings go to art in the building. I have also supported using public money to fund the expansion on the back of PPAC | I was previously a member of the board of RIPBS | I do not sign pledges. Each year we are faced with many worthwhile requests for state funding. While I think the arts are a high priority, it has not risen to the same level of priority as many other requests for grants that we have received in the past few years. It would be totally irresponsible of me to sign a pledge as a member of the house finance committee. | ||||||
| 18 | Democrat | Representative Arthur Handy | X | X | X | Aware | Strongly agree | Agree | none | Keeping the level of funding the same. | Note: Lisa, I just wanted you to know on your last question regarding increased funding, I can't say that I can support a $400K increase until I look at the whole picture, I do think we should increase it but I don't know if I would be able to support that much since it will be in competition with a lot of other programs I also support. Just wanted you to know, Art Handy | |||||
| 20 | Democrat | Representative Al Gemma | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Legislation to promote the movie industry in RI, which not only reaps rewards in jobs and tourism dollars, but, more importantly, showcases the beauty, culture and richness of the academic and artistic bounty we see in every corner of our state, particularly in the capital city of Providence. | None directly. I am a member of Corporations Comm., Separation of Powers Comm. and Permanent Health Care Oversight Comm. However, I have obtained grants for museums and literacy , sign language and storytelling for elementary schools. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 31 | Democrat | Representative Kenneth Carter | X | X | X | X | X | Aware | Agree | Agree | In South County I have supported the Wickford Art Festival and the North Kingstown Arts Council. I have applied for grants for both of these groups. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||
| 35 | Democrat | Representative John Patrick Shanley | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | I have obtained several legislative grants for the Courthouse Center for the Arts ($6000) | I am a member of the House Finance Committee | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||
| 37 | Democrat | Representative Peter Lewiss | X | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Primary sponsor of Artists Right Act - codified trust and agency relationship between artists and galleries, and created a statuatory warranty to protect consumers and collectors; Primary sponsor of legislation enabling RISCA to coordinate the arts districts throughout the State; primary sponsor of legislation naming Westerly Shakespeare in the Park the official Shakespeare Festival in the State of RI; have sponsored numerous resolutions to the US Congress encouraging support and increased funding of the NEA; Co-Sponsored West Side Arts District in Providence; Lobbied for Westerly Arts District; Secured a Community Service Grant for the founding of ArtTix. | 1998-2003 Vice Chair, RI State Council of the Arts; 2006- Board of Trustees, Trinity Rep Company; 1997-2002 Vice President and Board Member, The Colonial Theatre; Chair, National Conference of State Legislators Economic Development Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee; Chair, National Conference of State Legislators Cultural Policy Working Group; Participant, Pew Charitable Trust Study on Arts and the Economy; House Finance Committee, Sub-Committe Chair for Education - responsible for RISCA's budget. | ||||
| 38 | Democrat | Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy | X | X | Somewhat aware | Agree | Agree | I supported the requirement for artwork to be displayed at all major public products in Rhode Island (i.e. the Convention Center, the Airport expansion) | I am not on any arts committees. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 41 | Republican | Representative Carol A. Mumford | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Subscriber to Trinity since 1966; taught English and Drama @ secondary level; support every piece of legislation that encourages/supports the arts. granddaughter very interested in dance. | 8 year member of House Finance Committee; all grants to arts foundations go through our committee and have my support | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||
| 47 | Democrat | Representative Edwin R. Pacheco | X | X | X | Aware | Strongly agree | Agree | Donated to local School Bands. Secured a grant for high school students to create a fountain/memorial for deceased students. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 54 | Republican | Barry Schiller | X | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Neutral | Over the years my wife and I attended classical music events (such as Kingston Chamber Music Festival, concerts at Rhode island College where I worked) theater (especially Second Story Theater), have bought art at Po Gallery (and been on Gallery Night trips) and at the Wickford Art Show (and jsut recently at the Pawetucket Arts Festival), I have incorporated art (how artists see nature) in a few of my courses on history of technology, environmental issues. My wife has done some arts shows on her public access cable TV show "Rhode Island Soapbox." | I am a math professor so my professional activity has not been in the arts except for a few cases as noted above. Most of my civic activity has been about environment and education, my contact with the arts is primarily as a consumer, musuem and concert-goer, audience member,and such. However, I should say that I am uneasy with governement picking out indicidual artists or art groups to support, it so subject to who-you-know abuse that RI is famous for. I think a better way to go is provide tax incentive benefits for all artists. Thanks for doing this survey and bringing attention to the arts before all candidates. | Keeping the level of funding the same. | |||||
| 58 | Democrat | Representative William San Bento, Jr. | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Neutral | Keeping the level of funding the same. | ||||||||
| 62 | Democrat | Representative Eilizabeth M. Dennigan | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Arts Funding is a priority for me and I have fought for an increase in funding annually. | House Finance Joint Economic Development Committee | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| 65 | Republican | Representative John A. Savage | X | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | All Children's Theatre grants Chance to Dance grants PPAC/RI Philharmonic grants Film Industry Legislation Project Grants from the RISCA | House Finance Committee | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||
| 69 | Democrat | Representative Raymond E. Gallison, Jr. | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | I have supported the Arts districts in various communities both in the Finance COmmittee and on the House Floor | I am actively involved in establishig an Arts Distict in Portsmouth | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 69 | Republican | Spencer A Maguire | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | N/A | None (wife is a conservator of fine arts) | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| 72 | Democrat | Representative Amy G. Rice | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | voted for anytihng involing the arts | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||||
| 72 | Republican | John F Robitaille | X | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Agree | This is my first elected race. | I own and operate Perspective Communications which is a visual arts company providing video and multimedia for companies and non-profits. I am a writer and producer. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||
| LT GOVERNOR | ||||||||||||||||
| Question 1: What arts activities have you or your family attended, participated in or supported in the last year? (check all that apply) | ||||||||||||||||
| District | Affiliation | Name | Question 1: Music | Question 1: Theater | Question 1: Visual Arts | Question 1: Literary Arts | Question 1: Dance | Question 1: None | Question 1: Other, please specify | Question 2: The arts add to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, towns and cities. Question: How aware are you of your constituent's participation and presence of the arts within your district? | Question 3: I support increasing funding to schools for the specific purpose of bringing more arts programming into or restoring arts programming in the schools. | Question 4: If elected, I would increase support identifying new and appropriate strategies to provide public funding for the arts that will increase Rhode Island’s competitive advantage and contribute to a higher quality of life for those that live here. | Question 5: In the past, what have you supported and/or voted for that furthered the growth of the arts in Rhode Island? Give specific examples: | Question 6: What offices or committees have you been involved with that directly affect the arts? | Question 7: If elected, I will support: | |
| Republican | Reginald A. Centracchio | X | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Chairman of the Scituate Arts Festival Entertainment Committee for 15 years; Play trumpet with two Big Band Orchestras; Promote live music and dance throughout RI; I required each of my three children to study music and they each play a different instrument | President Band Parents Association (Scituate High School); Scituate Arts Festival (15 years) | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||
| Democrat | Senator Elizabeth H. Roberts | X | X | X | X | Very aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | As a citizen, I have served on the boards of 2nd Story Theatre, now in Warren, and currently serve on the board of Firstworks, the arts festival. As a senator, I voted to provide state funding for WaterFire and have continually advocated for increased funding for RISCA. I have also sponsored a grant for the RI Council for the Humanities, an organization that often works collaboratively with arts organizations for public programs. | I served as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee where I advocated for increased funding for the arts. I also sponsored legislation for After School programming for school children that would include arts activities. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||
| TREASURER | ||||||||||||||||
| Question 1: What arts activities have you or your family attended, participated in or supported in the last year? (check all that apply) | ||||||||||||||||
| District | Affiliation | Name | Question 1: Music | Question 1: Theater | Question 1: Visual Arts | Question 1: Literary Arts | Question 1: Dance | Question 1: None | Question 1: Other, please specify | Question 2: The arts add to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, towns and cities. Question: How aware are you of your constituent's participation and presence of the arts within your district? | Question 3: I support increasing funding to schools for the specific purpose of bringing more arts programming into or restoring arts programming in the schools. | Question 4: If elected, I would increase support identifying new and appropriate strategies to provide public funding for the arts that will increase Rhode Island’s competitive advantage and contribute to a higher quality of life for those that live here. | Question 5: In the past, what have you supported and/or voted for that furthered the growth of the arts in Rhode Island? Give specific examples: | Question 6: What offices or committees have you been involved with that directly affect the arts? | Question 7: If elected, I will support: | |
| Democrat | Senator Frank T. Caprio | X | X | X | Somewhat aware | Strongly agree | Strongly agree | Have been an advocate for RI State Council on the Arts and its funding and grant process for artists in the district I represent in the West End of Providence. | My wife serves on the board of Trustees for PPAC and as a former chair of the Senate Finance Committee I supported increasing funding for many art initiatives. | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | ||||||
| Republican | Andrew Lyon III | X | X | Very aware | Agree | Agree | n/a | n/a | Increasing the level of core program funding to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts by $400,000. | |||||||