Sean Mitchell, Candidate County Commissioner, District 2
Q 1: How do you view public investment in the Arts & Cultural sector as it contributes to the economic vitality of St. Lucie?
RESPONSE: The arts and culture are one of the most financially beneficial assets that a county can invest In. Communities deserve to have diverse opportunities to take In the arts. Some leaders don’t consider the arts as essential to economic vitality. But I believe the opposite to be true. The arts attract both visitors and business to St. Lucie to Invest their time and dollars.
Q 2: As an elected official, how would you work to make Arts & Culture a part of your economic development policies?
RESPONSE: As your Commissioner, I will advocate for arts and culture to ensure that they are always part of the vision for the future of our county. By tracking the economic impact of arts and culture in St. Lucle, we will be able to show our citizens how Important these are to sustaining growth St. Lucie. I will support policies that grow arts and culture, and aim to provide resources to give them as much support as possible.
Q 3: How would you describe the significance of art education programs and how would you support the continuation and growth of similar educational contributions within St. Lucie?
RESPONSE: Arts education is an area that is extremely important to me and my family. My son Patrick was the recipient of a full scholarship at Indian River State College to study Theatre and Music. I have seen firsthand the power of arts education in creating helping students understanding more about the world around them and how to communicate and Innovate In any subject. I pledge my support of our wonderful schools In St. Lucie County and any organization that ls part of that Important work.
Q 4: Do you support public investment for Arts & Cultural initiatives to further develop St. Lucie County as a cultural destination?
RESPONSE: I absolutely support a solid and sustainable investment for arts and culture ln St. Lucie County. As I have mentioned before, investment in arts and culture goes beyond the gallery or stage. These endeavors raise the value and appeal of the entire community. Our county is in a unique position to offer the very best of what Florida has to offer. Our natural resources, our businesses, our education systems, and the arts only serves to create new possibilities in making St. Lucie a major cultural destination while maintaining our rich history. We have the ability to make St. Lucie a premiere location to explore arts and culture. We should all be behind that effort.
Q 5: How have you supported Arts & Culture in St. Lucie County through your work in public office and/or as a private citizen?
RESPONSE: I have always been an advocate for the arts. So many of the promising students and skilled craftsmen I have mentored, embody the spirit of Innovation. I’ve stated throughout my campaign that one of the key factors that businesse More and more companies are looking for these rare creative minds that can help solve the problem of the future. The arts are a pathway to those unique skills. My motto is ‘people over politics’, and nothing speaks to the heart and soul of people like the arts.