SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Cities across New York State are facing major financial problems and two Green Party candidates in Syracuse say the answer lies in Albany.
Mayoral candidate Kevin Bott and Common Council candidate Howie Hawkins say the state needs to restore previously promised revenue sharing and school aid. They say proposals from the incumbents to grow the property tax base or seek concessions from city workers simply aren't enough to cover the projected $24 million budget gap.
"That brings us back to revenue sharing and school aid. That was legislated by law, it was enacted and they then turned their back on the cities. They have balanced state budgets on the backs of the cities, they have cut taxes at the top end in state taxes on the backs of the cities and we're saying 'that's enough,'" Hawkins said.
Bott is hoping to unseat Mayor Stephanie Miner this November, while Hawkins is challenging 4th District Councilman Khalid Bey.
