David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins is calling for the state of New York to take over Spectrum for use as its own public broadband utility. Hawkins said New York should take over Spectrum as a way to "jump-start a public broadband system..." In a statement, Hawkins said, “Customers are unhappy with escalating costs and deteriorating customer service. A democratically-structured public broadband system would operate at cost for public benefit, not for the profit of distant shareholders. It would provide better service at lower cost and rapidly expand service the underserved rural and inner-city communities.” He cited a study by researchers at Harvard University that found private-sector broadband options were more expensive than community broadband networks. More than 750 communities already operate public broadband, but a takeover by New York would be the first of its kind nationwide. As envisioned by Hawkins, the plan would be decentralized and local governments would operate local franchises. Hawkins' suggestion came as state regulators demanded that Charter sell Spectrum. Charter has 60 days to come up with a plan for the divestiture, which the Public Service Commission says is the only way to resolve a seven-month conflict between the state and Charter over allegations the company violated the conditions of its 2016 acquisition of Time Warner Cable. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.