Our platform represents our vision for Syracuse, Onondaga County, and beyond. These policy positions guide our advocacy and inform the campaigns of Green candidates. They reflect our commitment to creating a just, sustainable, and democratic society.
Grassroots Democracy and Election Reform
We believe democracy works best when it is participatory and accessible to all. We advocate for ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to express their true preferences without fear of spoiling elections. We support public financing of campaigns to reduce the influence of big money in politics.
Voter suppression must end. We call for automatic voter registration, expanded early voting, and the restoration of voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals. Democracy should be made easier, not harder.
Education for Lifelong Learning
Quality education is a right, not a privilege. We support full funding for public schools, universal pre-kindergarten, and free public higher education. Schools should teach critical thinking, civic engagement, and environmental literacy.
We oppose the privatization of education through vouchers and charter schools that drain resources from public education. Teachers deserve living wages and manageable class sizes to do their important work effectively.
Housing and Neighborhoods
Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing. We support rent stabilization, increased funding for public housing, and programs to assist first-time homebuyers. Vacant and abandoned properties should be put to productive community use.
Development should serve community needs, not just developer profits. We advocate for community land trusts and inclusive zoning policies that prevent displacement and maintain neighborhood character.
Jobs and Community Enterprise
We support economic development that benefits working people and keeps wealth in our communities. This means living wages, strong unions, and support for worker-owned cooperatives. Green jobs in renewable energy and sustainable industry can revitalize our economy while protecting the environment.
Local businesses should be supported over national chains that extract wealth from our communities. Buy local policies and community investment programs can strengthen our local economy.
Public Safety and Criminal Justice
True public safety comes from addressing root causes of crime: poverty, lack of opportunity, inadequate mental health services, and substance abuse. We support restorative justice programs, alternatives to incarceration, and community-based policing.
The war on drugs has failed. We call for an end to mass incarceration, the decriminalization of personal drug use, and investment in treatment programs. Police departments must be accountable to the communities they serve.
Ecological Sustainability
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. We support a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy, ambitious emissions reduction targets, and investment in green infrastructure. Our lakes, forests, and farmland must be protected for future generations.
We oppose pipelines, fracking, and other fossil fuel infrastructure. Our local waterways, including Onondaga Lake and Skaneateles Lake, deserve protection and restoration.
