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Dear Supporter
The Civic Elections and You
Every three years we have an opportunity to vote for
candidates that will represent our interests on the City Council and
School Boards. This year the civic elections will take place on
Saturday, November 15.
Generally we all know that it is our duty as
citizens to vote. In this newsletter we would like to make the case that
it is even more important for us as arts lovers to vote, and to give you some
guidelines to help you.
Priorities
It is all about financial priorities. It is the
City's responsibility to provide and maintain infrastructure for the
Arts, as well as to fund special City-wide projects like festivals. The
City recently published for comment a draft
Arts Strategy in which they confirm again the importance of the Arts
to living in New Westminster, and for tourism and the economy.
But we live in difficult financial times - so as
arts advocates we have to make sure the City gives adequate priority and
support to arts-related projects.
As citizens, we need to elect a mayor and council
who truly understand the importance of the Arts, and are willing
to give arts organizations and arts projects the appropriate priority
when it comes to allocation budgets and other resources.
Some Boring Election Details
Candidates for mayor and council must be nominated
by the end of September (46 days before the election). Then we will know
who the candidates are.
If you would like to know more...
Usually there will then follow a number of "All
Candidates Meetings" where we will all have an opportunity to question
the various candidates on where they stand on different issues. The Arts
Council intends to host an all candidates meeting dedicated to Arts
issues.
In Summary
Sadly, there is not a huge turn-out of voters for
the municipal elections. Many individuals feel they cannot make a
difference, but this is not true. Individuals voting in a common way can
effect huge change. The municipal level of government is the one that
affects you directly every day. This is your City to live in and enjoy
and you must vote for people who will best represent your needs. Do your
research (come to our all candidates debate) to find out which
candidates best support the arts.
Have a wonderful, art-filled summer holiday.
Sincerely
Susan Wandell
President
Did you know...
Arts Council
Recognized
The Arts Council of New Westminster recently received a grant under the
BC150 program of the Provincial Government for its
Vive La Difference/Celebrating the Difference project. Watch our
website for more details as this exciting project unfolds.
The Importance of
Arts Councils
In the words of Finance
Minister Carole Taylor regarding the 2008 budget:
"So many
of the commitments in this budget — to climate change, the economy,
healthcare, education, housing — reflect the comments heard during
budget consultations. But another area also received broad interest and
support: culture and the arts."
She announced and additional $150-million fund for
arts and culture. She indicated that "The BC Arts Council, in its
official role, will advise government on how this money can best be used
to support initiatives in every community — from our smallest
communities to our largest cities." |
