A recent survey set out to find out where candidates stand on the arts, but if the number of respondents is any indication, they do not appear too interested.
The Arts Council Windsor and Region sent surveys out to all 180 candidates for mayor, deputy mayor, and council in Windsor-Essex. It only received 43 responses or 23.8 per cent.
Mural of Ferry St. will be relocated because University of Windsor upgrades to the building.
The survey included six questions about how candidates would grow the region's arts sector, how to attract artists, advocating for the arts, and where the arts fit into a tourism strategy.
"The goal of this project was twofold: we want those involved in the arts and culture community in Windsor-Essex to know where our potential leaders stand on the issues facing the sector, and we want our leaders to understand the importance (sic) of arts, culture and heritage to the wellbeing of our community and economy," said ACWR Director of Public Programs and Advocacy, Julie Tucker.
Of the five candidates running for Mayor in Windsor, just two responded: Matt Marchand and Tom Hensel.
On the issue of promoting the arts through tourism, Hensel responded, "by reaching out to other communities near and far, partnering internationally with other arts and cultural centres, and by creating an arts-friendly environment that fosters a love and appreciating for our unique cultural diversity."
Hensel also responded that he would like to see more corporate sponsorship of the arts.
To the question, "what opportunities do you believe Windsor-Essex has to grow our art, culture and heritage sector?", Marchand responded, "creating sidewalk plaques, creating a fund to support public art installations, and encouraging heritage building renovations."
Incumbent Drew Dilkens, Frank Dyck, and Ernie Lamont had not responded to the survey by Friday.
Overall, just 26 per cent of candidates running for city council in Windsor sent back their surveys.
In the county, Pelee Island had the best response with three out of seven or 42.8 per cent. Tecumseh was close behind where 41.6 per cent of respondents or five out of 12 filled out the survey.
The worst response was from the Town of Essex, where a mere 15.7 per cent of candidates sent their's back.
A similar survey was circulated in the last municipal election and during this year's provincial election.