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Reddy: Leading Democratic Candidate in Secretary of State Race
Dec. 5, 2005 -
Dublin Courier - Herald - Secretary of State candidate Shyam Reddy believes public sentiment regarding next year's race centers on three key issues: election reform, economic development and investor protection.
Making improvements where they are concerned, he said, will make for a stronger Georgia.
"The issues are really pertinent to people's lives," said the native Dubliner during a recent visit.
Having someone to head the office with the right credentials to undertake the challenges of those areas will also be important, he noted.
"We can do it if we have someone with the right qualifications."
A 1992 Dublin High School grad, Reddy holds degrees in political science and public health from Emory University, and is a graduate of the University of Georgia Law School.
He said his legal background, coupled with technological experience can further the successful progress already under way in the secretary of state's office, particularly in the area of election reform.
The next step, he said, will be creating a paper trail so voters can have a verifiable receipt of their ballot, similar to the ones Nevada already uses in elections.
"Georgia is on the forefront of election reform," said Reddy, noting the development in the area the state has seen during secretary of state-turned gubernatorial candidate Cathy Cox's tenure.
He said those reforms will only continue with the right level of experience in office because "it's important we have someone with the right technological background to implement the process."
Doing so, he said, will give voters more confidence in the political process.
With the much-maligned voter identification law likely to see an overhaul, he said it is necessary to empower the secretary of state's office through legislation to proactively address the issue.
Implementing the right technology, possibly through the use of digital signatures as a form of security, may be a possible aproach.
He said while he feels voters are generally in favor of some type of identification requirements, there may be a better way to accomplish the goal.
"The resources are there," he said. "It is important to do it the right way."
"Our right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy," he said. "We can implement changes to make the process more efficient."
Reddy said he would also like to see additional reforms implemented when it comes to economic development, particularly in rural areas so they can receive the same access for hiring and creating jobs as areas of Atlanta. That way, he said, small business owners will feel more comfortable investing in other parts of the state.
"I want to take my legal and business experience ... [and] foster an environment to maybe cultivate the entrepreneurial experience."
Also, he said, more can be done to reign in investment fraud and protect citizens from scams so they can feel more comfortable in the investments they make.
Reddy said his campaign, which has taken him across the state speaking to voters on the grassroots level, has gone well so far and voters have been receptive. He recently had a fund-raising event in Dublin.
So far, Reddy has also led almost all candidates, both democrat and republican except for one, in fundraising.
"It's gone well," he said of the campaign. "I've really enjoyed it."
He said issues such as election reform and economic development directly impact voters, so they should continue to be actively engaged in the the political process.
With recent scandals and failures in government offices throughout the country, Reddy said he feels voters are more apt to scrutinize candidates and candidates should be up for the task.
"Our democracy is too important to take for granted," he said. "We should be exacting the highest standards for our elected officials."
"I've been really working hard," he added of his own campaign. "I hope that I can make Dublin proud in this race."
Natalie Davis
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