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Former law student running for office
Feb. 23, 2006 -
Candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, Shyam Reddy, wants to be the state’s new renaissance man. Calling himself a “new brand of Southern Democrat,” the former University law student outlined his vision for his Secretary of State campaign and the Democratic party Wednesday night at a meeting of the Young Democrats.
The Red & Black interviewed Reddy Wednesday night before his meeting with the Young Democrats.
Q: Why did you decide to run for secretary of state as your first campaign?
A: “I believe in this office because I was raised in a household that believes in three core values: entrepreneurship, opportunity and democracy.”
Reddy said he thinks those three core ideas encompass the job of the secretary of state. In addition, with his background in corporate law, technology and public health, Reddy said he has the right credentials for the office.
Q: Why should students care about Georgia’s secretary of state?
A: “I think our right to vote is at stake.”
Since the secretary of state controls the voting process in the state, Reddy said he is deeply concerned about the recently-passed voter ID bill that could prevent some constituents from voting in addition to the proposed redistricting of Athens-Clarke County, which change the political majority of the area.
Q: Why do you think Georgia needs a “new brand of Southern Democrat?”
A: “You wake up one day. For me, I turned 30 — and I looked back over the last three election cycles, and I thought it was time for a new generation of leadership.”
For that reason, Reddy said he is campaigning on a platform of being fiscally conservative, socially responsible and investing in the future of Georgia.
Q: What can you, as secretary of state, do for the University?
“I hope to cultivate an environment that would foster an entrepreneurial spirit.”
Accordingly, he said the state can work with the University to ensure it has the resources to achieve its goals.
“I believe in this office because I was raised in a household that believes in three core values: entrepreneurship, opportunity and democracy.”
Q: What sets you apart from the other five candidates for secretary of state?
A: “I’ve broken the back of that sort of traditional candidate.”
As a 31-year-old, second- generation Indian American with a law background and the largest war chest among his candidates, Reddy said he not only looks different from his opponents but also comes into the campaign fresh with no political history.
Q: One of your platforms for secretary of state is increasing voter turnout. How can this be accomplished among the student population?
A: “Individuals who take civics courses are seven to 10 times more likely to vote.”
For that reason, Reddy said he is proposing civics courses become part of mandatory ninth grade curricula to make headway toward getting young people to vote.
Reddy said he also strongly believes in getting younger individuals active in the political process and making them feel like their vote does count.
Cristen Conger
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