WKTV Utica, New York
By PAT BAILEY
Story Created: Sep 8, 2010 at 1:11 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Howie Hawkins, a Syracuse resident running for Governor on the Green Party line, made a stop in Utica Wednesday.

Hawkins has previously run for Mayor of Syracuse, U.S. Senate, Onondaga County Executive and Syracuse City Council, all on the Green Party line. Unsuccessful in all those bids, Hawkins is now taking his message and trying a run for Governor.

Hawkins' idea to fix the state is called "A Green New Deal." Hawkins says he wants to pick up where "old Democrats" left off, and have the Government provide jobs for people.

"Local governments should plan jobs in public services and public works using unused labor to meet unmet community needs," said Hawkins. "The state should fund that so when people can't get a job in the private sector, they go to the employment office and say I want my job."

Hawkins says he has a plan to fund his idea. He suggests keeping the state transfer tax on stocks traded in New York City instead of giving them back to the companies. Hawkins also says he would tax the bankers who received bailout money and big bonuses. Taxing the rich at higher rates, and providing tax cuts for 95% of New Yorkers is the final phase of a funding plan, Hawkins said.