Candidate’s Info:
Mike Burton
1808 Dacotah Drive
Windsor Ontario
Ward Ward 4
519-890-8998
michaelburton@cogeco.ca
www.votemikeburton.ca
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?
Mike Burton: I have reviewed these recommendations in detail. I have no problem supporting the implementation of the recommendations as outlined. The actual funding may well have to be staged to make it affordable to taxpayers. The study looks quite comprehensive so the priority as outlined is acceptable.
The funding commission should be composed as outlined while ensuring that adequate Ward representation is covered as well. I would expect that this recommendation along with the transfer to ”Recreation & Culture” would be my preference in terms of timing.
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?
Mike Burton: I am quite excited about the prospects for the development of these facilities downtown. I would support a concerted effort to get senior levels of government as well as the City to ”lead the charge” to make this happen. As well I believe the University may well be able to play a key supporting role in the effort. Council does not and has not recognized the impact that these facilities can have upon our local economy. This would be one cornerstone to diversify the economy locally and to give a significant boost to our image both in the region, in Michigan and throughout the Province. This is predicated upon the development of a comprehensive business case that clearly shows how operating costs will be covered.
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?
Mike Burton: As noted above, I believe that the Arts can have a significant and positive impact on our economy. We must harness this potential with adequate City support and ensure that the available senior government grants are applied for and acquired to move forward. I believe that support staff to chase grants and to manage ”private” corporate ’asks” are critical if we expect to make progress in this area.
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?
Mike Burton: I cannot give you a percentage amount. I believe that with the publicly available data on the budget anyone but an incumbent at this point would only be guessing. I can say that this economic activity and vision will simply not come to fruition if not supported. I was instrumental in getting Florida here to speak to our business community when I was Vice President at the Development Commission. The economic impact would be very positive. The potential for economic diversification and job creation are the pillars upon which this activity would be justified to taxpayers.
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.
