He would increase minority hiring, expand living wage, create community hall, bank.
By BoNhia Lee
Staff writer
Green Party mayoral candidate Howie Hawkins says there are four ways to address poverty and unemployment in Syracuse.
"We need a much more developed approach," Hawkins said.
Hawkins presented his anti-poverty program Friday at a news conference at Citywide Market on South Salina Street.
"I'm trying to present a positive program and hopefully people will see that and vote for me," Hawkins said.
The anti-poverty program includes raising the city's affirmative action goals for minority employment.
Hawkins said he would raise the 10 percent minority employment goal to 40 percent, and city residents would be first in line to receive jobs with city tax dollars. "We have to get back to an affirmative action program to raise the opportunity for minorities," Hawkins said.
In order to meet that goal, Hawkins said he would establish a community hiring hall of potential employees for the city and its contractors. Community halls also provide job and life skill training, health insurance, referrals to other services and social support for workers.
Hawkins said he would also expand the living wage to support families. The plan would include all city employees and employees of city contractors.
Hawkins proposes the creation of a municipal bank to help plan, finance and advise new businesses. "Whatever the community wants, the business planners and community bank can help them," Hawkins said.
Citywide Market owner Larry Freeman thinks the plan is a positive one. He has owned the business for three years.
The building currently has a dozen vendors, but can accommodate 30, he said. "We need someone to give us a helping hand," Freeman said.
Posted by syracusegreens at November 5, 2005 10:51 PM