Daily Mail
by Doron Tyler Antrim
Saturday, October 30, 2010

Howie Hawkins says state can dig itself out of economic ruin by raising taxes on richest NY’ers

CATSKILL — Howie Hawkins has the answers. He’s got a plan to solve the state’s financial troubles and create desperately-needed jobs. He just needs to be elected governor.

Hawkins is the Green Party’s nominee for the state’s highest office — a job he’s sought two times before.

The Teamsters Union activist from Syracuse made a brief stop at Leggio Park in the village of Catskill Friday and laid out in simple terms his platform.

Simply by raising taxes on the rich, Hawkins says, New York can dig its way out of financial ruin. Increasing taxes on the rich could also fully fund school districts and secure a true investment in alternative energy and mass transit.

He also supports a massive increasing in the minimum wage to $12 per hour.

The middle class, he says, would not have to give up anything under such a scenario.

His campaign has only three paid staff and has spent about $50,000, which pales in comparison to the larger, corporate-financed campaigns for the two major party nominees, Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino.

“We want to be supported by the people, not the special interests,” Hawkins said.

He says Democrats pay “lip service” on many issues and have come up short on their promises.

One of the largest challenges facing the Green Party, he said, is its low place on the ballot. In fact, the Green Party will be on the final row of next Tuesday’s ballot — below the Democratic, Republican, Independence, Conservative and Working Families parties.

For more information about Hawkins and his candidacy, visit www.howiehawkins.com.