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From GeorgiaDailyDigest.com Cathy Cox: "Frankly, both Sonny Perdue and Mark Taylor represent yesterday’s brand of politics. Neither one can say no to the special interests." GDD: Welcome to Georgia Daily Digest. 2006 will be a life-changing year for you. Can you tell us a little about your thoughts on the upcoming year? Anything you especially look forward to or dread? Cox: This year will offer the voters the opportunity to decide in which direction they want their state to go, and which leaders have the vision to move Georgia forward. Out on the campaign trail, folks are telling me that they are tired of the partisan bickering and political gamesmanship that have become all to common under the Gold Dome. I’m grateful for the opportunity in the coming months to present my vision for Georgia, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and government is accountable and responsible to the people it serves. GDD: The voter ID issue in Georgia has had some confusing elements. Do you support requiring voters to submit a photo ID when voting? Cox: Since the photo ID bill was first proposed, I’ve been one of the strongest voices in opposition to it. I joined with groups as diverse as the NAACP, AARP and the League of Women Voters to oppose these new barriers to voting. I testified before legislative committees, argued to the Governor, and even formally protested to the U.S. Justice Department. GDD: Since the 2000 Presidential election, the elections process and elections officers have been under a national microscope. Were Georgia elections flawed, and have the equipment expenses of the last five years given us significantly better elections? Cox: Since my office used federal funding to implement statewide electronic voting in 2002—the first state in the nation to do so—Georgia went from second worst to second best in the nation at ensuring that every vote is fairly and accurately counted. Our elections have improved significantly, and I’m proud that we were able to pay for all of this new equipment entirely with federal, not state, tax dollars. GDD: What have been your proudest accomplishments as Secretary of State? Any disappointments? Cox: My first action as Secretary of State was to move one of the largest divisions of my office out of Atlanta to bring government closer to the people it serves. We have streamlined the corporation registration process and been a leader at using technology to improve the services we provide to Georgia’s citizens. My proudest accomplishment, however, is that I’ve been responsible with the taxpayers’ dollars and returned money to the state’s coffers every year I’ve been in office. GDD: Now, let’s move on to your race for Governor. Why do you want to be Governor of Georgia? Cox: I want to change the tone and tune of government so that it works for everyone, not just the insiders. Too often, our leaders at the state capitol put special interests before the interests of everyday Georgians. Regular folks who are looking for commonsense solutions to their day-to-day problems—like better schools and affordable and accessible healthcare—are shut out because they don’t have high-paid lobbyists wallpapering the Gold Dome with large campaign contributions. When I’m Governor, everyone will have a place at the table and we’ll put the interests of the people of Georgia first.
GDD: What do you believe are the top issues facing Georgians today? Cox: We need to get government working again for the people of Georgia. I’ve proposed a comprehensive agenda to lead Georgia forward, but first we have to get to the root of the problem: making government accountable and responsible to the people it serves. That’s why my first proposal in this campaign was a detailed ethics reform agenda that will change the way business is done under the Gold Dome. GDD: What will be your first act as Governor? Cox: For all the talk from our government’s leaders about ethics reform, we have seen our government become less accountable and less ethical. Instead of working for all Georgians, our government has become focused on helping the insiders. That’s why I’m committed to promoting government reform, accountability and responsibility. My far-reaching proposal will close the revolving door of government, put ethics law enforcement in the hands of a truly independent body, wipe out partisan politics in local offices, create a tough code of ethics, and reform the way state contracting is done. GDD: Currently Georgia is tied for last in the nation in SAT scores and four in 10 students will leave high school without a diploma. What are your proposals to fix our education system? Cox: During this campaign, I’ve proposed a new way for addressing our education needs that keeps pace with the changing economy and gives Georgia’s children the opportunity to succeed. I want to invest in classrooms by using public-private partnerships and links between high schools, technical colleges and traditional two-and four-year colleges to provide a seamless transition from school to a high-paying job. On graduation day—whether it be from high school, technical school, or college—the diploma will become more than a certificate of completion, it will be a ticket to further achievement and success. GDD: How can Georgia provide health insurance to more families? Cox: Investing in healthcare is investing in every Georgian because a healthier workforce will make Georgia more competitive and ready for the economic challenges of the future. I am committed to bringing Georgia into the 21st century, where healthcare is accessible and affordable to all. I’ve proposed creating a health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed with a minimum level of benefits and the choice of at least two plans. My comprehensive proposal will bring more children onto the health insurance rolls, and I will use the bargaining power of the state to lower drug costs for a range of beneficiaries including state workers, small business employees, the self-employed and seniors falling through the cracks of Medicare. GDD: What’s the biggest difference between you and your opponent? Cox: Frankly, both Sonny Perdue and Mark Taylor represent yesterday’s brand of politics. Neither one can say no to the special interests. Neither one is willing to reach across the aisle to really work on problem solving. They’re both bogged down in the partisanship that really divides our state. And frankly, with Mark Taylor or Sonny Perdue not much is going to change. GDD: If you’re elected Governor, in all likelihood you’ll be working with a Republican-controlled legislature. How can you, as a Democratic Governor, get your agenda through? Cox: If we can change state government to make certain that it works for everyone, that won’t be a problem, having a Democratic governor and a Republican legislature. If we can get beyond focusing on the special interests and focus the leadership on the needs of everyday Georgians and every neighborhood in this state, political party ought not to matter. (Editor's Note: This interview may be reproduced for distribution with credit given to GeorgiaDailyDigest.com.) |
