John Rodriguez says he would double the arts and culture budget in Greater Sudbury if elected on Oct.27.

The candidate made the pledge at a mayoral debate organized by the Sudbury Arts Council this week.

“Our professional arts and culture organizations provide an amazing array of programming for citizens and visitors,” says Rodriguez in a release. “They do this with one of the lowest levels of municipal funding in Ontario.”

Rodriguez says he would increase the arts and culture budget from the current $3.70 per capita to $7.40 per capita over the four-year term.

“The economic development plan that I have put forward speaks to arts and culture as an economic driver and attractor,” he says. “It is time for our city to make investments into an industry that is worth billions.”

Rodriguez says he would work with the private sector to move arts and culture facilities forward, as well as ensure festivals and events receive the support they need.