League of Women Voters' Questionnaire

Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for Mayor of Syracuse

1. Several communities have turned to city/county consolidation to improve services. Do you feel such a merger would improve government efficiency in Syracuse and Onondaga County? If yes, what services would benefit? If no, why is this not a viable option for our community?

Consolidate taxes and share revenues from property taxes and graduated county income taxes. Consolidate services selectively without undermining city self-determination. Sewer trunk line consolidation let the county impose the Midland sewage plant. Centralized progressive taxation and equitable revenue sharing, combined with decentralized administration of services, is more efficient and democratic.

2. Since the Governor vetoed financing legislation for Syracuse schools, how do you plan on attracting a new Superintendent and what do you plan on doing to keep morale high among faculty and students until the vacancy is filled?"

Push the state to provide the $600 million for school construction. Institute a progressive city income and commuter tax to provide secure and fair funding for school operations. Push ahead with the Central Tech and community schools projects. Maintain home ownership incentives for teachers to live in the city.