Topic:
APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE; ARTS (GENERAL); EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMS. COMMITTEE; HISTORIC CONSERVATION; STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; TOURISM;
Location:
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE;

OLR Research Report


February 20, 2004

  

2004-R-0251

QUESTIONS FOR THE NOMINEE FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONNECTICUT COMMISSION ON ARTS, TOURISM, CULTURE, HISTORY AND FILM (CATCHF)

By: John Rappa, Principal Analyst

1. PA 03-6, June Special Session (JSS), put the organizations that were separately responsible for arts, tourism, historic preservation, and film under one new structure—CATCHF—but did not specify the structure’s design. How will you design the structure so that it addresses the goals of the commission’s predecessors? For example, will you create separate administrative units for arts, tourism, culture, history, and film or integrate these policy areas under common planning and administrative units?

2. CATCHF’s predecessor organizations received different amounts of federal, state and private funding. PA 03-6, JSS specifies the amount CATCHF must allocate to different organizations and projects in FY 2003-04. For the subsequent fiscal years, how do you plan to allocate funds for the commission’s different activities?

3. PA 03-6, JSS, eliminated the 11 regional tourism districts and replaced them with five larger districts. It also assigned the duties of the former state tourism office to CATCHF. How will CATCHF and the five new districts market and promote the state’s tourist attractions?

4.

For many years, the state’s smaller historical museums have petitioned the legislature for money to make necessary capital improvements and to develop new exhibits. How can CATCHF help these museums plan and fund these projects?

5. How can CATCHF help cities and towns use their arts and cultural resources to attract new residents, visitors, and businesses?

6. The Connecticut Humanities Council has played a leading role in interpreting Connecticut’s past. How can the commission support or complement the council’s mission?

7. Connecticut’s New England setting offers many unique locations to filmmakers. How can CATCHF build on or expand the former Film Commission’s efforts to market these locations?

JR: ts