Candidate’s Info:
Cameron Adamson
1101-111 Riverside Dr. E.
Windsor, ON
N9A 2S6
Also My Campaign Office
Ward Windsor-Ward 3
519 965-6400
adamson_cameron@hotmail.com
adamson_cameron@hotmail.com
1. Implementing the MCMP:
The Municipal Cultural Master Plan represents a strong commitment by the City to significantly support the arts in a variety of ways that will help to harness the economic and creative potential of the entire arts community, however, there has not yet been a firm commitment in terms of schedule or budget to realize any of the new proposed initiatives in the MCMP. Of the 15 as-yet-unrealized recommendations in the MCMP, which ones would you prioritize and complement with the necessary financial support and political commitment in order to successfully implement them?
Cameron Adamson: The economy has been the central component of my campaign. That is why (for example) I have been calling for industrial property tax cuts which will encourage Industry to return to Windsor.
I also believe a strong Arts culture is vital for a strong economy.
To create a strong arts culture, I would focus on MCMP recommendation #9: increasing awareness in the public, municipal staff and councillors about our culture.
A strong Arts Culture requires the support of the local population. To ensure that support exists, Windsor’s City Council needs to make sure Windsor’s residents (and those in the County) are informed about the exciting and vibrant arts culture in Windsor.
For example, on October 23, 2010 I will be attending a play at the Capitol Theatre regarding the history and culture of the Philippines. I am very excited about the opportunity. However, many of my friends were not aware of the play until I informed them about it. The City needs to do a better job promoting events such as the play.
2. Arts Infrastructure:
Given the substantial economic, cultural, and social successes realized by other North America cities through the development of exceptional arts facilities, given the enthusiasm for multiple arts organizations in the region to work together and the proven track record of such facilities to transform the urban landscape, and given the recently adopted Municipal Cultural Master Plan’s directive to provide capacity-building support for arts organizations, how will you support our region’s infrastructural needs for multi-use, multi-organization arts and culture facilities such as the Capitol Theatre and Armouries-Palace?
Cameron Adamson: Multi-use and multi-organization facilities dedicated to arts and culture could greatly assist in the revitalization of Windsor’s economy.
Windsor needs to examine partnerships with both other levels of Government and with private enterprise to support such facilities.
I believe that public/private partnerships can be beneficial for a City. There are many private enterprises which recognize the economic opportunities associated with arts and culture and the City should make more of an effort to attract and work with those private enterprises in relation to the development of arts infrastructure.
3. Economy and the Arts:
Artists and arts organizations across the region bring in millions of dollars every year in revenue through grants, sales, private investment, and donations, infusing additional millions of dollars back into the local economy. Over the last twenty years, across the province, arts and culture industries grew 14% more than the rest of the economy. As the arts are a long-proven driver of economic development in the city and beyond, what will you do to ensure that the arts and culture community can bring even more investment, talent, and dollars to the region?
Cameron Adamson: Windsor needs to attract outside investment in as many different areas as possible. That is why I believe we need to reduce our Industrial Property Taxes (thereby attracting industry to invest in Windsor).
Concerning arts and culture, quick implementation of recommendation 9 (see question 1) will do much to ensure the arts and culture community brings even more investment, talent and dollars to Windsor.
A City with a population knowledgeable and interested in arts and culture will quickly attract outside investment because investors will realize that there exists within that City good business opportunities
By ensuring Windsorites are knowledgeable about arts and culture, we can attract arts investment.
4. Arts and Culture Funding:
Strong financial investment in arts and culture has direct and tangible economic and social returns, as measured by economists such as Richard Florida, Statistics Canada, and the Conference Board of Canada, and as demonstrated in cities around the world. This investment engages residents and draws new talent, assists in fostering new businesses, and creates a healthier and more vibrant community. With that in mind,how much of the municipal budget would you allocate to arts and culture, and how would you justify that spending to your constituents?
Cameron Adamson: An exact percentage can only be determined after discussion and debate amongst the next City Council. A City Council of which I plan to be a part.
I will say that it is important that the next City Council work hard to find as many sources of funding for arts and culture as possible. This means working with different levels of government and with the private sector.
5. Your vision for our Region’s Arts and Culture:
Please briefly describe your vision for the near, medium, and long-term future for arts and culture in Windsor and/or Essex County.
Cameron Adamson: The next City Council must focus on the economy. Our unemployment rate is the highest in the Country and that is not acceptable.
I have made the economy the focus of my campaign.
A strong arts culture is an important aspect of economic revitalization. That is why I am interested in the issue of arts and culture in our City and why I have taken the time to answer these very important questions.
The Arts Council should be comended for creating these questions.
