In an effort to provide LAC members and subscribers with information ahead of the recent election, the LAC distributed a questionnaire to Loudoun's candidates for office. Below please find the responses of the four candidates who replied in detail before the election.
Richard Jimmerson, Candidate for Catoctin Supervisor
Richard Jimmerson, Candidate for Catoctin Supervisor:
Question 1: What is your personal background and/or experience in the arts?
"I am not an artist or artistic, but I have a great appreciation for art in all forms. My daughter is very artistic and wants to attend art school."
Question 2: Most grant organizations require matching funds from local governments. Would you endorse increasing future arts grants funding to benefit your district?
"Very likely. Matching grants are a sound way to fund programs without having to rely solely on local government funding. Today, every public dollar is scrutinized and lawmakers are always questioning whether the arts should receive funding. Matching grants from corporations can help offset contractions in funding for the arts. Art programs enhance communities, attract visitors, and provide economic stimulus, so it is an investment that has added value."
Question 3: Would you support future temporary and/or permanent public arts projects in your district?
"Very Likely. Art in public spaces can create a sense of place that can have a positive impact."
Craig Green, Candidate for Blue Ridge Supervisor
Craig Green, Candidate for Blue Ridge Supervisor:
Question 1: What is your personal background and/or experience in the arts?
"I’ve been an amateur musician since high school, and tried my hand at songwriting for a long time. My wife Jan Blacka has been an active board member of WLAST, FOFPAC, and the LAC [Loudoun arts arts nonprofits] over the years. I’ve helped set up shows in Franklin Park, Waterford, and generally been her artists’ helper for years. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to make working in the arts work better, from how we might drive more visitors to local events, how to emphasize the sorts of information that visitors find most important, and how we could improve the visibility and success of local events."
Question 2: Most grant organizations require matching funds from local governments. Would you endorse increasing future arts grants funding to benefit your district?
"I would certainly support increasing funding for arts grants. It’s my firm belief that the Arts are a key signal of a thriving community, and part of a well-rounded cultural life. As our County matures, we need to help support all aspects of those things that nurture not just our bodies but our souls."
Question 3: Would you support future temporary and/or permanent public arts projects in your district?
"I would certainly support future temporary/permanent public arts projects. These are the things that provide distinction to our county. They can help bring visitors to our region. I feel that we have a wealth of artistic talent and resources that go unheralded as it is. I go to other counties and jurisdictions and see the wonderful public arts projects they have, and wonder “Why can’t we have nice things?” The WLAST is a great event, and I’ve been glad to see it grow over the years. We have a great facility in Franklin Park, but I’d like to see it get enough support and emphasis to allow that facility to draw consistently high-caliber arts events. I think there’s a lot to be done with the resources we have right now, and the very dedicated groups trying to grow the Loudoun arts community."
Ralph Buona, incumbent Candidate for Ashburn Supervisor
Ralph Buona, incumbent Candidate for Ashburn Supervisor:
Question 1: What is your personal background and/or experience in the arts?
"My background in the fine arts is primarily on the music side. I play multiple instruments and I grew up playing in bands, drum and bugle corps, competing in state-level competitions and performing at various venues. Very recently and locally, I obtained $50,000 from a large Loudoun non-profit to support the fine arts in Loudoun County Public Schools. I presented this check to the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) with $10,000 of it earmarked as seed money for the new Riverside High School Fine Arts Booster Club. The other $40,000 will be distributed by the LEF to other Loudoun Schools for fine arts purposes."
Question 2: Most grant organizations require matching funds from local governments. Would you endorse increasing future arts grants funding to benefit your district?
"Certainly. Grants are one of the best methods for bringing in necessary funding as it allows us to leverage others peoples money. Of course the specifics of each grant have to be looked at and how the grant is applied for considered but those are just details to work through in each case."
Question 3: Would you support future temporary and/or permanent public arts projects in your district?
"Certainly. Art is at the fabric of the community. It creates identity for the community and sense of purpose for the community."
Chuck Hedges, Candidate for Delegate for the 33rd District
Chuck Hedges, Candidate for Delegate of the 33rd District (including parts of Loudoun, Clarke, and Frederick Counties):
Question 1: What is your personal background and/or experience in the arts?
"I am not a musician or artist, but I enjoy going to concerts and looking at art exhibits."
Question 2: Most grant organizations require matching funds from local governments. Would you endorse increasing future arts grants funding to benefit your district?
"Yes I would certainly endorse increasing arts grant funding, because it enhances the quality of life and attracts visitors. This provides significant economic benefits to the area."
Question 3: Would you support future temporary and/or permanent public arts projects in your district?
"Yes, I would certainly support public arts projects in the district, because they attract visitors, who will spend money on restaurants, shopping etc. Also they provide learning opportunities for students."
