We've all had defining moments in our lives. What personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity had an impact on your life and your view of the community? 

I enjoy attending musicals on a regular basis. I find them to be a very important part of my life. My favorite musical of all time is the Phantom of the Opera and a close second is Wicked based upon the book written by my friend and supporter Gregory Maguire. Although, I did see the new Phantom of the Opera twice when it came to Boston, and I must say that was outstanding as well. As such, I am an avid supporter of the arts and live theater. I am a subscriber to Broadway series musicals and performances in my area and I also attend many smaller local theater and concert venues. The greatest impact is not just having the opportunity to see, enjoy and support these performances personally but introducing my two younger daughters to the arts and culture relative to the theater and live performances - and seeing them enjoy it as well has been very rewarding.

Arts and Culture in Your District

Art and culture plays a role in the Commonwealth from Boston and the Gateway Cities and our rural and suburban towns. Please provide us with a story of the impact a local arts or cultural institution brings to your district.

As you know, Springfield is a Gateway City, and I am very supportive oflocal venues including Symphony Hall and City Stage, the East Longmeadow Summer Concert Series, The Wilbraham Summer Concert Series and the Wilbraham United Players to name a few - these are great local venues that provide top notch performances but also have a great impact on the local economy in terms of economic spin off and enriching the quality of life of our residents.

Arts Education and Programs for our Youth

Creativity and innovation are vital skills in a student’s education. While many communities have access to quality arts education, many youth are still being left out of the creative community. How will you champion arts education for our youth both in our schools and in our communities? How will you balance the importance of arts education with the constant pull to “teach to the test”? Would you support joining ten other states to make one year of arts education in high school a requirement for admission to the state university system? Do you support adding ‘arts’ into the Commonwealth’s STEM program to transform it to STEAM? 

I feel the arts are critically important to a child and education - that is why we take and have taken our daughters ages who are currently 9 and 12 to as many shows as possible. Additionally, they have taken violin lessons and play the piano.  I will do what I can to support arts education, and look into the reasonableness of transforming STEM to STEAM.

Economic Development

Nonprofit art and cultural organizations support more than 45,000 jobs, spend $2.1 billion annually and generate another $2.5 billion of economic activity. How will the legislature foster an ecosystem which supports the creative community and industry across the Commonwealth?  

As a former member of the Tourism Arts and Cultural Development Committee and as a current member of House Leadership, I have worked with MOTT and other organizations such as the Greater Springfield Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, and Regional Tourism and Cultural Councils across the Commonwealth and will continue to do so.  I believe strongly in an open door policy so we can work together on these important issues - I certainly know the value and importance of the industry, and will continue to foster growth by working in partnership.  Furthermore, I have been a strong supporter of the Motion Picture Industry and the film credits as I know the importance and bang for the investment that we receive in economic spin off.

Addressing the Commonwealth’s Socioeconomic Issues

Massachusetts faces many economic and social issues, among them workforce development, public safety, and health care. Can you provide examples on how you would utilize the arts, cultural, and creative community to address the Commonwealth’s social and economic challenges? 

As a former member of the Tourism Arts and Cultural Development Committee and as a current member of House Leadership, I have worked with MOTT and other organizations such as the Greater Springfield Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, and Regional Tourism and Cultural Councils across the Commonwealth and will continue to do so. I believe strongly in an open door policy so we can work together on these important issues - I certainly know the value and importance of the industry, and will continue to foster growth by working in partnership. Furthermore, I have been a strong supporter of the Motion Picture Industry and the film credits as I know the importance and bang for the investment that we receive in economic spin off. I have also filed several earmarks in the budget over the years for many organizations and have been successful with many including recently the Wilbraham Cultural Council.

The Commonwealth’s Support and Role in the Creative Community

• Last year, Massachusetts invested $12 million in organizational support through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) for the creative community, ranking it ninth in the country. In 1988, the MCC gave out more than $27 million in grants, more than twice what we do now. At what level would you fund the MCC?
• For the past two years, Governor Patrick allocated $15 million in matching grants through the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund to support the maintenance, repair, and rebuilding of the Commonwealth’s cultural facilities. At what level do you suggest the Commonwealth fund this program?
• Would you develop or dedicate a revenue stream to provide a sustainable and stable funding stream for the arts, cultural, and creative community?

I will do all that I reasonably can within our budget to support and fund these areas. I have been very supportive of a great many budget requests letters, and proposals in these areas, and have advocated for increases in funding and programs along with Chairwoman Atkins. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Massachusetts Arts and Cultural Community.  Furthermore, I have been a strong supporter of the Motion Picture Industry and the film credits as I know the importance and bang for the investment that we receive in economic spin off.