Four candidates for governor of New York will debate in Buffalo tonight at 8 p.m.
They are: incumbent Andrew Cuomo (Democrat), Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino (Republican), Syracuse activist Howie Hawkins (Green Party) and Michael McDermott (Libertarian) of Long Island.
Cuomo is the favorite. According to a poll released today, he leads Astorino among likely voters by 21 points, 54 percent to 33 percent. Hawkins received 9 percent.
The debate will stream live on the Buffalo News website and will air on PBS channel 13.
Issues
Here are some links to the issues section of each candidate’s website.
Cuomo– Basically a list of everything he’s done in the last 3+ years and explanations of how everything is going swimmingly. State government is working, citing on-time budgets. Same sex marriage and gun control laws passed. NY Rising program rebuilding hurricane damage. Encouraging gov’t consolidation and savings with property tax cap. Also check out this recent Charlie Rose interview.
Astorino– Reduce high taxes driving businesses/residents out of state with permanent tax cap. Support for fracking. Anti-Common Core and SAFE Act. Promises mandate relief. Reform review process for development and liability laws for workplace accidents. Cites record as county exec.
Hawkins– Sweeping Green New Deal platform, as in previous candidacy. Raise taxes on wealthy to provide free college education at state institutions and universal pre-K. Phase out nuclear and fossil fuels, 100% clean energy by 2030. $15 minimum wage. Many, many proposals on here.
McDermott– Eliminate state income tax, Anti-SAFE Act, anti-Common Core, repeal business regulations, end NY’s participation in Obamacare, end long prison sentences for non-violent offenders, end gov’t surveillance, petition to remove red light cameras.
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