Candidate’s Info:
Rob Sassine
3800 Huntington Avenue
Windsor, ON
N9E 3W8
Ward Ward 9 Windsor
519-562-3312
robsassine2010@gmail.com
www.robsassine.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?
Rob Sassine: I believe that Recommendation #7 ”Establish arm’s length Cultural Funding Commission” should take priority. It will create an establishment that will be responsible for all issues including educating the public and which projects to fund. More importantly, it will be accomplished through the leadership and guidance of those chosen volunteers. Since this recommendation is based on volunteers efforts, any costs incurred would be minimal.
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?
Rob Sassine: I am in support of any multi-use, multi-organization arts and cultural facilities. That being said, many issues must be addressed before any investment can be made. All costs associated with the construction and or renovation of any facility and the long term maintenance must be spelled out prior to any tax payer involvement.
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?
Rob Sassine: As a small business owner, I believe that we must diversify and be creative when looking to attract investment to the city. I also believe that we should help existing entities expand and grow. Existing events such as the Windsor International Film Festival is an excellent example of growth in the cultural community that add dollars to our community.
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?
Rob Sassine: Keeping everything in mind, I would need to see the 2011 budget before being able to commit to any increased spending. It would be the job of the mayor and city council to communicate any increase in spending for the arts through education and information sessions. Once fully informed of the cultural and economic benefits, I believe that the constituents would likely agree.
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.
Rob Sassine: In the near term, I would like to see a quick resolution to the Capitol Theatre issue. I have been informed that events booked into 2011 are now in jeopardy if a resolution is not found. I would hope that a compromise can be found with no disruption to the groups who have spent tireless hours putting their productions and shows together. In the medium, I would like to see a collaborative effort put forth in order to secure a multi-use arts facility. This effort should include members from the newly formed Cultural Funding Commission, the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, WSO, and all municipal and county governments within Essex County. In the long term, I would like to see city of Windsor as a destination point for Arts and Cultural enthusiasts and be able to promote as such.
