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[title]1. How do you define the importance of arts and culture to the city of Chicago? And what do you see as the city’s role in funding the arts and fostering growth in the cultural economy?
Arts and culture is very important to the city of Chicago. It is the face and fiber of our city. I believe the city’s role is to foster growth through the support of events. As much as I love the culture and support of the arts, I don’t believe that they should come before the health and well-being of the people of Chicago.
2. Where do you stand on the proposed promoters’ ordinance, which aims to increase the regulatory and insurance requirements on local event promoters?
The city is trying to make a fast buck at the cost of shutting down the small promoters that make music and the arts great in Chicago. So much of the great art comes through the underground. Why should Chicago shut the door to this cultural inlet? If we want to shut down the illegal raves, then let’s go after the raves and not throw such a wide net.
3. Where do you stand on legalizing cook-on-site food trucks, as many other cities have done?
Well, if they allow it in cites like Chicago, then they’ll have to legalize it in other great cities like New York and Los Angeles…oh, wait!…they already have! It’s ridiculous that cook-on-site food trucks are not allowed. Especially when you see them for movie-set catering.
Is the truck kitchen air more polluted than the air of kitchens in buildings? What does Chicago know that all these other cities don’t know that are allowing these trucks? I’d like a wider choice of food when I’m walking along the lakefront than corn on sticks and tamales. I think even the Tamale Man would like to offer carnitas.
4. Where do you stand on the merging of the Department of Cultural Affairs with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events?
I don’t like the idea. Let’s let city business and cultural affairs for our city be separate. The last thing I want for our city is for cultural affairs to suffer because the city is struggling financially.
5. What was the last live local performance you attended? When? And what did you think of it?
Ezra Furman and Danny Malone at Schubas. An amazing night of music!
6. What was the last local cultural institution you visited? Are you a member of any cultural institutions?
The whole city is my cultural institution and I visit every day!
7. What is your favorite local band? How about your favorite theater company? Restaurant? Artist? Comedian or other performer?
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons is my favorite local band. Favorite restaurant is the Wiener’s Circle (a Chicago institution!) and favorite theater would be the legendary Annoyance Theatre in Uptown.
8. What will you do to bring the arts to underserved communities, as well as to children, around the city?
This is a very important concern and I will do what I can through City Hall, but I will also encourage and help organizations like Rock for Kids to flourish. Rock for Kids is doing a fabulous job of bringing music programs to underprivileged kids, and I want to see that continue and to grow.
9. Do you see Lollapalooza as a boost for the local music scene or a challenge to local venues?
I think it is a great boost for the local music scene. It lets people who have never been to our city experience all the great possibilities of our city. It’s not just a boost for the music scene…it boosts the restaurant and hotel industries as well. And it’s a lot of fun!
10. Do you favor privatizing city festivals?
I do favor privatizing city festivals. We need to take as much money out of the city budget and create new sources of revenue. Privatizing events brings in new revenue to the city and helps the city’s budget problems.
11. Where do you stand on allowing a casino within the city limits?
I know this is a sore spot for many people, but if we can make good decisions on how we implement gambling within city limits, it could really help our economy. And let’s be real, we already have gambling within city limits…it’s called the lottery!
12. Would you support the sale of naming rights to Soldier Field or Wrigley Field? How about more advertising signage at Wrigley?
I like the idea if we could get some decent sponsors…not banks and giant corporations trying to make even more money. Maybe something with a dual purpose…like Trojan Field.
13. Do you have a personal connection to the arts community (i.e., are you an artist yourself, or do you have friends/family in the arts community)? If so, what is it?
I have a very personal connection to the arts community! Look me up on Google!
14. Should the number of available liquor licenses for bars and clubs be increased, reduced or stay about the same?
Good bars and clubs are like great music…you know them when you experience them. I’m in favor of taking away liquor licenses from bad bar and club owners and giving them to people who want to make a better experience for the patrons.
15. Mayor Daley cites the Theater District as perhaps his most cherished cultural accomplishment. What cultural achievement would you hope to see as your most important legacy?
I’d like to see Chicago’s musical heritage and accomplishments recognized.