WNYT
Albany, New York

SARATOGA SPRINGS - One of the lesser known candidates for Governor, Howie Hawkins, was in the Capital Region Saturday. Running on the Green Party line, he's not well known but that doesn't mean people aren't listening.

"This year people are mad," Hawkins said. "They've seen the dysfunction in Albany."

Hawkins is running against much more familiar names - Democrat Andrew Cuomo, Republicans Carl Paladino and Rick Lazio. But Saturday,the Syracuse native was shaking hands at a farmer's market in Saratoga Springs, trying to get his message out. Some people were very optimistic about his candidacy.

"Even if Howie is not to be elected but get a lot of votes," said supporter Dan Hurwitz. "It's the state voters talking to the winners saying alright this is how we think, do something."

"Well, we don't have their money," Hawkins said of his opponents."I think our program resonates more with more people in New York State."

His program sounds somewhat similar to what the other candidates want to do - clean up the dysfunction in Albany and fix the economy by creating jobs.

Where he differs is on taxes. He thinks the rich are on the biggest welfare rolls in the form of tax breaks and the trickle down effect didn't happen. He says they need to pay their fair share - especially Wall Street.

"What we're saying is keep the taxes you put on Wall Street in theform of stock transfer tax and with that surplus invest in a green new deal," Hawkins said.

Hawkins also believes his image as a regular guy could go over well. He's a former U.S. Marine who currently works as a truck loader forUnited Parcel Service.

"Well, people will understand I understand how the average people have to sweat for a living," he said.

Right now, his goal is to get at least 50,000 votes - enough to give the Green Party a line on the ballots for local elections.

Hawkins will be in Menands on Labor Day from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM at the annual Solidarity Labor Picnic. He is the only union member running for Governor.