For his campaign cash, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is tapping small donors to support his run for Common Council District 4.
As of Nov. 1, Hawkins had raised $10,428, according to reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. Nearly half of that money comes from donors who gave less than $100 each.
He has raised most of that by mailing solicitations and “word of mouth,” said Hawkins. “As more people find out about our platforms,” he said, “They’re interested in helping us to be elected.”
In the Nov. 5 election, Hawkins is facing Democratic incumbent Khalid Bey in a rematch. In 2011, Hawkins lost by 97 votes.
District 4 includes the Southwest portion of Syracuse, University Hill, Brighton and downtown. There are 13,676 registered voters in District 4. Voter enrollment is 8,778—or 64 percent – for Democrats; 1,141 – or 8 percent – for Republicans; 117 – or less than 1 percent—for the Green Party; and 2,958 – or 21 percent – unaffiliated with a political party.
Hawkins has been a frequent figure on the ballot in Syracuse. He’s run unsuccessfully 19 times since 1993. Among this campaigns are races for Syracuse Common Councilor-at-Large, governor, U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. For the 2013 election, here’s a look at Hawkins’ campaign finances, from reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections:
- Of his $10,428 total, 42 percent — $4,378 –comes from 251 donors who gave less than $100 each.
- His largest donation is $1,000 from the Green Party of New York State.
- 13 percent – or $1,300 amount – has come from 13 Syracuse-area residents who gave $100 each.
- As of Nov. 1, Hawkins has spent approximately $3,300 — most of it on mailings to voters.
- He had $7,136 cash on hand.
“I realize it’s important to raise some money to get my ideas for the district out to the public, but this election isn’t about the money,” Hawkins said. Government, he said, should not become what he calls a “dollarocracy.” Instead, he said, “It must be kept a democracy. That’s why voters need to focus on platforms, not money.”
Added Hawkins: “At the end of the day, I think a good door-todoor campaign, which I’ve been doing, can beat any type of monetary support.”
(Becca Milliron is a senior majoring in newspaper and online journalism.)
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