Michael Bell answers…

1. What are you going to do to foster the arts, artistic and cultural endeavors in our community?

The Mayor has an obligation to foster the creative expression within this city. As an artist myself, I understand the importance of providing support to artists in all stages of their career development. This support can be monetary, but the real support also comes in the form of the intangibles. These intangibles include everything from getting space for a traveling art exhibits, being a voice in local programs that teach art (KYF, Boys/Girl Club & Lemon Street) and to inviting leaders in the world of art to Kenosha to infuse passion into our city’s culture.

2. The City utilizes CIP, TIF, CDBG funds and hotel/ motel tax fees to fund City projects. How would you be willing to use these resources to enhance the artistic community and support the creative class?

A good leader finds just the right balance of using funds prudently and also injecting those funds wisely to promote and recognize all artists who work in a variety of mediums and styles. The fledgling nature of some of Kenosha’s art programs requires a close eye to insure their ability to gain strength and eventually stand on there own.

3. How would you work with the private sector to fund public arts endeavors, i.e. sculptures in City Parks?

Without a doubt, it is extremely important for the art community to have routine access to the Mayor’s office to stimulate dialogue. This dialogue has to center around important art issues in Kenosha, whether it concerns practice, education or history. It’s also important for artists to give back to our community in whatever form they can. By doing so, we create a relationship with the private sector and the art community that supports each other.

4. How would you welcome the creative class in our community?

I feel the answers above in questions 1, 2, & 3 reflect my sentiments.

5. How do you keep young professionals living, working and spending money in our community?

Once again, the answer comes down to culture. How does New York or Chicago keep young professionals in their communities? By having a culture that allows them to grow and survive as an artist, they remain here. By examining other communities and then adding our own version to their accomplishments, the creative class will remain in our community.

6. Tourism is one of the top three industries in the state of Wisconsin. What are you going to do to encourage and support the economic class in Kenosha?

It all comes down to the “Wow” factor. We create a level of excellence in whatever direction we choose and when people from outside of our community are exposed to this high level of excellence, they simply stand back and say WOW! They return to their homes and relate how they were blown away by what was accomplished in Kenosha.