{"data":{"id":17642,"title":"Showdown: \"Solo with Sharrad\"","rsi_url":"https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/comm-link\/spectrum-dispatch\/17642-Showdown-Solo-With-Sharrad","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-links\/17642","api_public_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/comm-links\/17642","channel":"Undefined","category":"Undefined","series":"News Update","images":[{"id":4593,"name":"Showdown_FI3.jpg","rsi_url":"https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/media\/giq0zrj0fs26sr\/source\/Showdown_FI3.jpg","alt":"","size":617227,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","last_modified":"2016-02-02T21:46:47+00:00","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/4593","similar_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/4593\/similar"},{"id":26463,"name":"source.jpg","rsi_url":"https:\/\/media.robertsspaceindustries.com\/weozjmuuh3hwh\/source.jpg","alt":"","size":843046,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","last_modified":"2019-09-19T15:49:32+00:00","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/26463","similar_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/26463\/similar"},{"id":27892,"name":"source.jpg","rsi_url":"https:\/\/media.robertsspaceindustries.com\/w3o9r4zgppm77\/source.jpg","alt":"","size":900916,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","last_modified":"2021-09-06T14:48:40+00:00","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/27892","similar_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/27892\/similar"}],"images_count":8,"translations":{"en_EN":"SHOWDOWN!\nAuto-Transcript for S&P and NFSC Submission\n\nEP:64:28: \u201cSolo with Sharrad\u201d\nERIA QUINT: Welcome to Showdown. I\u2019m your host, Eria Quint. Today, we\u2019re taking a break from our normal debate format for a one-on-one interview with Imperator candidate and current High-Secretary Illyana Sharrad to discuss her role in the current Costigan administration and the direction she\u2019d take the Empire if elected. Welcome back to Showdown, High-Secretary.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Good to see you again, Eria. How are you?\nERIA QUINT: I\u2019m well. Glad you had time to join us today. Your schedule is incredibly busy as you juggle campaign appearances along with your daily responsibilities as High-Secretary. How have you been managing to give both roles the time and attention they deserve?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: It\u2019s only possible because of the great team around me. They oversee the day-to-day operation of the campaign and work tirelessly to execute the goals and initiatives I set. It\u2019s funny. When Imperator Costigan asked me to be his High-Secretary, he explained that a leader is only as good as the people they surround themselves with, and this is a philosophy that I have found to be true time and again.\nAs High-Secretary, I rely fully on employing the most qualified individuals at local, system, and Empire levels to be able to manage the vast infrastructure of the Empire as well as address the individual uniqueness that makes every system so special. That\u2019s the only way to achieve any truly meaningful change. It\u2019s also why one of the cornerstones of my campaign is building an administration that will ensure that our government is going to be working at every level from the top down.\nERIA QUINT: One of the core promises you\u2019ve made is that, if elected, you would fast track one pressing infrastructure need in each UEE system. Since the proposal I read only discusses it in broad terms, I\u2019d like to drill down into the details.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Great. I would love to discuss my \u201cJump Start\u201d program.\nERIA QUINT: Have you already determined what projects would get funded in each system?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Not yet. My team has a list of proposed projects, but I want to consult with the governor\u2019s councils in each system to see which initiative will best serve the needs of the residents and to evaluate the most up-to-date information before making any final decisions.\nERIA QUINT: Would there be a proposed budget range for each system to ensure a fair distribution of funds? There have been concerns that systems would be fighting each other for credits.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: We have avoided setting a firm per-system budget for the Jump Start program, since doing that disadvantages certain areas of the Empire. I\u2019d prefer that the program focuses on the potential return on investment instead of the overall cost of each project. For example, building a new spaceport in, let\u2019s say, Asura would be considerably more expensive than repairing the current one. But if the new port can handle more traffic and better facilitate trade, then it would be more beneficial to the long-term health of the system\u2019s economy.\nERIA QUINT: So you\u2019re not concerned about the overall cost of this initiative?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: It will be a consideration, of course, but no arbitrary number will stop me from making the right decision for each system. These projects will create jobs, inject capital, and improve the lives of that system\u2019s residents. I\u2019m certain the economic boost provided by these projects will eventually outweigh their initial cost.\nERIA QUINT: That\u2019s quite the promise.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Eight years as High-Secretary has taught me a lot about the Empire; specifically that good things happen when we invest in ourselves.\nERIA QUINT: Still, while most can\u2019t deny that fixing local problems is a good thing, critics have continually cited the cost. Nothing in your proposal or any of your campaign speeches has clearly defined how it\u2019ll be funded.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: That\u2019s because Jump Start doesn\u2019t exist in isolation. It\u2019s only one part of my vision for the future of the UEE and made possible through savings in other areas.\nERIA QUINT: What areas specifically?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Well, as I\u2019m sure you\u2019re aware, I would call for a freeze on Synthworld funding to review the project\u2019s progress and set attainable goals. Doing so, even for a brief period, would free up considerable capital to be reinvested elsewhere.\nERIA QUINT: Halting Synthworld funding would require approval from the Senate, who still seem quite committed to the project.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Thankfully I\u2019m pretty good friends with the Senate. [laughs] Those that support Synthworld know that I\u2019m not opposed to it, I just feel like the dream has slipped away from us. I\u2019d like to pause and reassess to see if its development is really something we can achieve.\nERIA QUINT: You\u2019ve also been very vocal about introducing an initiative called \u201cActive Engagement\u201d. Would you consider using funds raised through that?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Those gains will primarily go to strengthen the social safety net and promote greater overall engagement with the Empire.\nERIA QUINT: Let\u2019s just take a moment here, High-Secretary, to explain Active Engagement, since a lot of our audience may not be overly familiar with the details. This program would essentially require anyone, whether they\u2019re a citizen or civilian, to \u201cactively engage\u201d in an authorized civil service program while taking advantage of certain benefit programs. Many critics have cited this as the first step towards mandatory service for the populace.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Well, I see the benefits of this as twofold. First, it ensures social programs remain resilient and funded at a level proportional to their demand. Second, increasing civic engagement, much like improving infrastructure, benefits and strengthens the entire Empire. It makes people feel like a part of something bigger and gives a stake in creating a better future for all.\nERIA QUINT: Under this proposal, people could lose access to certain government programs if they don\u2019t participate, correct?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: There are a lot of rumors out there about what this program does and doesn\u2019t do. Let me make it clear that no one will lose access to the rights and services guaranteed to them in the Common Laws because of it. Essentially, those that need a little extra help will get it by giving a little back. For example, if someone needs help to afford a room in a housing exchange, they could volunteer at a local, government-run food bank.\nERIA QUINT: The majority of people who rely on social programs to survive are Civilians and unable to vote for Imperator. What would you say to those Civilians who may be worried about you implementing such a monumental change to their way of life?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Change is often hard but necessary. I believe that under Active Engagement, the UEE will be able to keep these social programs strong, even in times where we would\u2019ve faced a budgetary shortfall. In addition, some of the options available can lead to an individual gaining Citizenship, which will increase their contributions to the future of the UEE in a myriad of ways, including voting for Imperator.\nERIA QUINT: Turning our attention more specifically to that upcoming vote, why do you think Imperator Costigan hasn\u2019t endorsed your campaign?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: You\u2019d have to ask him. I have great respect for Imperator Costigan and the tough situation he\u2019s facing with his son still in the race. Considering the circumstances, I believe him remaining neutral is the right call. Though I would like to point out that the Universalist Party has officially endorsed me as their candidate in this election.\nERIA QUINT: There are reports circulating that you and the Imperator haven\u2019t spoken in weeks.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: As you mentioned at the very beginning, I\u2019ve been incredibly busy, but my staff have been in constant communication with the Imperator\u2019s office.\nERIA QUINT: So his silence doesn\u2019t disappoint you? It\u2019s quite unusual for a sitting Imperator to not endorse their party\u2019s preferred candidate so late in the campaign.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Look, I don\u2019t think this election will come down to one endorsement. This election will be about whose ideas and vision for the future of the Empire are the most inspiring. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here discussing my vision with you today and will continue to do tirelessly with anyone willing to listen until the election ends on October 24th.\nERIA QUINT: High-Secretary Sharrad and I have a lot more to discuss about her vision, but first we need to take a quick break. Don\u2019t go anywhere because there\u2019s more Showdown right after this.","de_DE":"ANZEIGEN!\nAuto-Transcript f\u00fcr S&P und NFSC-Einreichung\n\nEP:64:28: \"Solo mit Sharrad\"\nERIA QUINT: Willkommen zum Showdown. Ich bin Ihre Gastgeberin, Eria Quint. Heute machen wir eine Pause von unserem normalen Debattenformat und f\u00fchren ein Einzelgespr\u00e4ch mit der Imperator-Kandidatin und derzeitigen Hohen Sekret\u00e4rin Illyana Sharrad, um ihre Rolle in der derzeitigen Costigan-Regierung und die Richtung zu er\u00f6rtern, die sie im Falle ihrer Wahl f\u00fcr das Imperium einschlagen w\u00fcrde. Willkommen zur\u00fcck bei Showdown, Hohe Sekret\u00e4rin.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Sch\u00f6n, Sie wiederzusehen, Eria. Wie geht es dir?\nERIA QUINT: Mir geht es gut. Sch\u00f6n, dass Sie heute Zeit f\u00fcr uns hatten. Ihr Terminkalender ist unglaublich voll, denn Sie jonglieren zwischen Kampagnenauftritten und Ihren t\u00e4glichen Aufgaben als Hohe Sekret\u00e4rin. Wie haben Sie es geschafft, beiden Rollen die Zeit und Aufmerksamkeit zu geben, die sie verdienen?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Das ist nur dank des gro\u00dfartigen Teams um mich herum m\u00f6glich. Sie beaufsichtigen das Tagesgesch\u00e4ft der Kampagne und arbeiten unerm\u00fcdlich an der Umsetzung der von mir gesetzten Ziele und Initiativen. Es ist schon komisch. Als Imperator Costigan mich bat, sein Hoher Sekret\u00e4r zu werden, erkl\u00e4rte er mir, dass ein F\u00fchrer nur so gut ist wie die Menschen, mit denen er sich umgibt, und das ist eine Philosophie, die ich immer wieder als wahr empfunden habe.\nAls Hoher Sekret\u00e4r verlasse ich mich voll und ganz darauf, die qualifiziertesten Personen auf lokaler, System- und Reichsebene zu besch\u00e4ftigen, um in der Lage zu sein, die riesige Infrastruktur des Reiches zu verwalten und auf die individuelle Einzigartigkeit einzugehen, die jedes System so besonders macht. Das ist der einzige Weg, um eine wirklich sinnvolle Ver\u00e4nderung zu erreichen. Das ist auch der Grund, warum einer der Eckpfeiler meiner Kampagne der Aufbau einer Verwaltung ist, die sicherstellt, dass unsere Regierung auf allen Ebenen von oben nach unten arbeitet.\nERIA QUINT: Eines der Kernversprechen, das Sie gegeben haben, ist, dass Sie, falls Sie gew\u00e4hlt werden, einen dringenden Infrastrukturbedarf in jedem UEE-System im Schnellverfahren decken w\u00fcrden. Da der Vorschlag, den ich gelesen habe, nur in groben Z\u00fcgen diskutiert wird, m\u00f6chte ich auf die Details eingehen.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Gro\u00dfartig. Ich w\u00fcrde gerne \u00fcber mein \"Jump Start\"-Programm sprechen.\nERIA QUINT: Haben Sie bereits festgelegt, welche Projekte in den einzelnen Systemen finanziert werden sollen?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Noch nicht. Mein Team hat eine Liste von Projektvorschl\u00e4gen, aber ich m\u00f6chte mich mit den Gouverneursr\u00e4ten der einzelnen Systeme beraten, um herauszufinden, welche Initiative den Bed\u00fcrfnissen der Bewohner am besten gerecht wird, und um die aktuellsten Informationen auszuwerten, bevor ich eine endg\u00fcltige Entscheidung treffe.\nERIA QUINT: W\u00fcrde es f\u00fcr jedes System eine vorgeschlagene Budgetspanne geben, um eine gerechte Verteilung der Mittel zu gew\u00e4hrleisten? Es gab Bef\u00fcrchtungen, dass sich die Systeme gegenseitig um Kredite bek\u00e4mpfen w\u00fcrden.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Wir haben es vermieden, ein festes Budget pro System f\u00fcr das Jump Start-Programm festzulegen, da dies bestimmte Gebiete des Imperiums benachteiligt. Ich w\u00fcrde es vorziehen, dass sich das Programm auf die potenzielle Kapitalrendite konzentriert und nicht auf die Gesamtkosten der einzelnen Projekte. Zum Beispiel w\u00e4re der Bau eines neuen Weltraumbahnhofs in, sagen wir, Asura erheblich teurer als die Reparatur des jetzigen. Aber wenn der neue Hafen mehr Verkehr bew\u00e4ltigen und den Handel besser erleichtern kann, dann w\u00e4re er f\u00fcr die langfristige Gesundheit der Wirtschaft des Systems vorteilhafter.\nERIA QUINT: Sie machen sich also keine Sorgen \u00fcber die Gesamtkosten dieser Initiative?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Es wird nat\u00fcrlich eine \u00dcberlegung sein, aber keine willk\u00fcrliche Zahl wird mich davon abhalten, f\u00fcr jedes System die richtige Entscheidung zu treffen. Diese Projekte werden Arbeitspl\u00e4tze schaffen, Kapital einbringen und das Leben der Bewohner dieses Systems verbessern. Ich bin mir sicher, dass der wirtschaftliche Aufschwung, der von diesen Projekten ausgeht, letztendlich die anf\u00e4nglichen Kosten \u00fcberwiegen wird.\nERIA QUINT: Das ist ein gro\u00dfes Versprechen.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: F\u00fcnf Jahre als Generalsekret\u00e4rin haben mich eine Menge \u00fcber das Imperium gelehrt; insbesondere, dass gute Dinge geschehen, wenn wir in uns selbst investieren.\nERIA QUINT: Auch wenn die meisten nicht leugnen k\u00f6nnen, dass die L\u00f6sung lokaler Probleme eine schlechte Sache ist, haben Kritiker immer wieder die Kosten genannt. Nichts in Ihrem Vorschlag oder in einer Ihrer Kampagnenreden hat klar definiert, wie sie finanziert werden sollen.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Das liegt daran, dass Jump Start nicht isoliert existiert. Es ist nur ein Teil meiner Vision f\u00fcr die Zukunft der UEE und wird durch Einsparungen in anderen Bereichen erm\u00f6glicht.\nERIA QUINT: Welche Bereiche konkret?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Nun, wie Sie sicher wissen, w\u00fcrde ich dazu aufrufen, die Finanzierung von Synthworld einzufrieren, um den Fortschritt des Projekts zu \u00fcberpr\u00fcfen und erreichbare Ziele zu setzen. Eine solche Ma\u00dfnahme, und sei es auch nur f\u00fcr einen kurzen Zeitraum, w\u00fcrde betr\u00e4chtliches Kapital freisetzen, das anderweitig reinvestiert werden k\u00f6nnte.\nERIA QUINT: Die Einstellung der Finanzierung von Synthworld w\u00fcrde die Zustimmung des Senats erfordern, der sich dem Projekt offenbar immer noch sehr verpflichtet f\u00fchlt.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Zum Gl\u00fcck bin ich mit dem Senat ziemlich gut befreundet. [lacht] Diejenigen, die Synthworld unterst\u00fctzen, wissen, dass ich nicht dagegen bin, ich habe nur das Gef\u00fchl, der Traum ist uns entglitten. Ich w\u00fcrde gerne innehalten und neu bewerten, um zu sehen, ob seine Entwicklung wirklich etwas ist, das wir erreichen k\u00f6nnen.\nERIA QUINT: Sie haben sich auch sehr lautstark f\u00fcr die Einf\u00fchrung einer Initiative namens \"Aktives Engagement\" ausgesprochen. W\u00fcrden Sie in Betracht ziehen, die dadurch aufgebrachten Mittel zu verwenden?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Diese Gewinne werden in erster Linie dazu dienen, das soziale Sicherheitsnetz zu st\u00e4rken und ein gr\u00f6\u00dferes allgemeines Engagement f\u00fcr das Imperium zu f\u00f6rdern.\nERIA QUINT: Nehmen wir uns hier einen Moment Zeit, Herr Hoher Sekret\u00e4r, um das aktive Engagement zu erl\u00e4utern, da viele unserer Zuh\u00f6rer mit den Details vielleicht nicht allzu vertraut sind. Dieses Programm w\u00fcrde im Wesentlichen von jedem, ob B\u00fcrger oder Zivilist, verlangen, dass er sich aktiv an einem autorisierten Programm f\u00fcr den \u00f6ffentlichen Dienst \"beteiligt\", w\u00e4hrend er gleichzeitig bestimmte Leistungsprogramme in Anspruch nimmt. Viele Kritiker haben dies als den ersten Schritt in Richtung auf den Pflichtdienst f\u00fcr die Bev\u00f6lkerung angef\u00fchrt.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Nun, ich sehe die Vorteile davon in zweifacher Hinsicht. Erstens stellt es sicher, dass Sozialprogramme belastbar bleiben und auf einem Niveau finanziert werden, das proportional zu ihrer Nachfrage ist. Zweitens: Ein verst\u00e4rktes b\u00fcrgerschaftliches Engagement, \u00e4hnlich wie die Verbesserung der Infrastruktur, kommt dem gesamten Reich zugute und st\u00e4rkt es. Es gibt den Menschen das Gef\u00fchl, Teil von etwas Gr\u00f6\u00dferem zu sein, und gibt ihnen ein Interesse daran, eine bessere Zukunft f\u00fcr alle zu schaffen.\nERIA QUINT: Nach diesem Vorschlag k\u00f6nnten die Menschen den Zugang zu bestimmten Regierungsprogrammen verlieren, wenn sie nicht teilnehmen, richtig?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Es gibt eine Menge Ger\u00fcchte dar\u00fcber, was dieses Programm tut und was nicht. Ich m\u00f6chte klarstellen, dass niemand dadurch den Zugang zu den Rechten und Dienstleistungen verliert, die ihm in den Common Laws garantiert werden. Im Wesentlichen werden diejenigen, die ein wenig zus\u00e4tzliche Hilfe ben\u00f6tigen, diese bekommen, indem sie ein wenig zur\u00fcckgeben. Wenn jemand zum Beispiel Hilfe braucht, um sich ein Zimmer in einer Wohnungsvermittlung zu leisten, k\u00f6nnte er freiwillig in einer \u00f6rtlichen, von der Regierung gef\u00fchrten Lebensmittelbank arbeiten.\nERIA QUINT: Die Mehrheit der Menschen, die auf Sozialprogramme angewiesen sind, um zu \u00fcberleben, sind Zivilisten und k\u00f6nnen nicht f\u00fcr den Imperator stimmen. Was w\u00fcrden Sie den Zivilisten sagen, die vielleicht besorgt dar\u00fcber sind, dass Sie eine solch monumentale Ver\u00e4nderung ihrer Lebensweise einf\u00fchren?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Ver\u00e4nderungen sind oft hart, aber notwendig. Ich glaube, dass die UEE unter aktivem Engagement in der Lage sein wird, diese Sozialprogramme auch in Zeiten, in denen wir mit einem Haushaltsdefizit konfrontiert gewesen w\u00e4ren, stark zu halten. Dar\u00fcber hinaus k\u00f6nnen einige der verf\u00fcgbaren Optionen dazu f\u00fchren, dass ein Einzelner die Staatsb\u00fcrgerschaft erwirbt, was seinen Beitrag zur Zukunft der UEE auf unz\u00e4hlige Arten erh\u00f6hen wird, einschlie\u00dflich der Wahl des Imperators.\nERIA QUINT: Um unsere Aufmerksamkeit genauer auf die bevorstehende Abstimmung zu lenken: Was glauben Sie, warum Imperator Costigan Ihre Kampagne nicht unterst\u00fctzt hat?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Das m\u00fcssen Sie ihn fragen. Ich habe gro\u00dfen Respekt vor Imperator Costigan und der schwierigen Situation, in der er sich befindet, da sein Sohn noch im Rennen ist. In Anbetracht der Umst\u00e4nde halte ich es f\u00fcr richtig, dass er neutral bleibt. Ich m\u00f6chte jedoch darauf hinweisen, dass die Universal Party mich offiziell als ihren Kandidaten bei dieser Wahl unterst\u00fctzt hat.\nERIA QUINT: Es kursieren Berichte, dass Sie und der Imperator seit Wochen nicht mehr miteinander gesprochen haben.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Wie Sie gleich zu Beginn erw\u00e4hnten, war ich unglaublich besch\u00e4ftigt, aber meine Mitarbeiter standen in st\u00e4ndiger Kommunikation mit dem B\u00fcro des Imperators.\nERIA QUINT: Sein Schweigen entt\u00e4uscht Sie also nicht? Es ist ziemlich ungew\u00f6hnlich, dass ein amtierender Imperator den bevorzugten Kandidaten seiner Partei so sp\u00e4t im Wahlkampf nicht unterst\u00fctzt.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: H\u00f6ren Sie, ich glaube nicht, dass diese Wahl auf eine einzige Bef\u00fcrwortung hinauslaufen wird. Bei dieser Wahl wird es darum gehen, wessen Ideen und Visionen f\u00fcr die Zukunft des Imperiums am inspirierendsten sind. Deshalb bin ich heute hier, um mit Ihnen \u00fcber meine Vision zu sprechen, und ich werde unerm\u00fcdlich mit jedem, der bereit ist, zuzuh\u00f6ren, bis zum Ende der Wahl am 24. Oktober weitermachen.\nERIA QUINT: Die Hohe Sekret\u00e4rin Sharrad und ich haben noch viel mehr \u00fcber ihre Vision zu besprechen, aber zuerst m\u00fcssen wir eine kurze Pause einlegen. Gehen Sie nirgendwo hin, denn gleich danach gibt es einen weiteren Showdown.","zh_CN":"SHOWDOWN!\nAuto-Transcript for S&P and NFSC Submission\n\nEP:64:28: \u201cSolo with Sharrad\u201d\nERIA QUINT: Welcome to Showdown. I\u2019m your host, Eria Quint. Today, we\u2019re taking a break from our normal debate format for a one-on-one interview with Imperator candidate and current High-Secretary Illyana Sharrad to discuss her role in the current Costigan administration and the direction she\u2019d take the Empire if elected. Welcome back to Showdown, High-Secretary.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Good to see you again, Eria. How are you?\nERIA QUINT: I\u2019m well. Glad you had time to join us today. Your schedule is incredibly busy as you juggle campaign appearances along with your daily responsibilities as High-Secretary. How have you been managing to give both roles the time and attention they deserve?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: It\u2019s only possible because of the great team around me. They oversee the day-to-day operation of the campaign and work tirelessly to execute the goals and initiatives I set. It\u2019s funny. When Imperator Costigan asked me to be his High-Secretary, he explained that a leader is only as good as the people they surround themselves with, and this is a philosophy that I have found to be true time and again.\nAs High-Secretary, I rely fully on employing the most qualified individuals at local, system, and Empire levels to be able to manage the vast infrastructure of the Empire as well as address the individual uniqueness that makes every system so special. That\u2019s the only way to achieve any truly meaningful change. It\u2019s also why one of the cornerstones of my campaign is building an administration that will ensure that our government is going to be working at every level from the top down.\nERIA QUINT: One of the core promises you\u2019ve made is that, if elected, you would fast track one pressing infrastructure need in each UEE system. Since the proposal I read only discusses it in broad terms, I\u2019d like to drill down into the details.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Great. I would love to discuss my \u201cJump Start\u201d program.\nERIA QUINT: Have you already determined what projects would get funded in each system?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Not yet. My team has a list of proposed projects, but I want to consult with the governor\u2019s councils in each system to see which initiative will best serve the needs of the residents and to evaluate the most up-to-date information before making any final decisions.\nERIA QUINT: Would there be a proposed budget range for each system to ensure a fair distribution of funds? There have been concerns that systems would be fighting each other for credits.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: We have avoided setting a firm per-system budget for the Jump Start program, since doing that disadvantages certain areas of the Empire. I\u2019d prefer that the program focuses on the potential return on investment instead of the overall cost of each project. For example, building a new spaceport in, let\u2019s say, Asura would be considerably more expensive than repairing the current one. But if the new port can handle more traffic and better facilitate trade, then it would be more beneficial to the long-term health of the system\u2019s economy.\nERIA QUINT: So you\u2019re not concerned about the overall cost of this initiative?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: It will be a consideration, of course, but no arbitrary number will stop me from making the right decision for each system. These projects will create jobs, inject capital, and improve the lives of that system\u2019s residents. I\u2019m certain the economic boost provided by these projects will eventually outweigh their initial cost.\nERIA QUINT: That\u2019s quite the promise.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Eight years as High-Secretary has taught me a lot about the Empire; specifically that good things happen when we invest in ourselves.\nERIA QUINT: Still, while most can\u2019t deny that fixing local problems is a good thing, critics have continually cited the cost. Nothing in your proposal or any of your campaign speeches has clearly defined how it\u2019ll be funded.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: That\u2019s because Jump Start doesn\u2019t exist in isolation. It\u2019s only one part of my vision for the future of the UEE and made possible through savings in other areas.\nERIA QUINT: What areas specifically?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Well, as I\u2019m sure you\u2019re aware, I would call for a freeze on Synthworld funding to review the project\u2019s progress and set attainable goals. Doing so, even for a brief period, would free up considerable capital to be reinvested elsewhere.\nERIA QUINT: Halting Synthworld funding would require approval from the Senate, who still seem quite committed to the project.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Thankfully I\u2019m pretty good friends with the Senate. [laughs] Those that support Synthworld know that I\u2019m not opposed to it, I just feel like the dream has slipped away from us. I\u2019d like to pause and reassess to see if its development is really something we can achieve.\nERIA QUINT: You\u2019ve also been very vocal about introducing an initiative called \u201cActive Engagement\u201d. Would you consider using funds raised through that?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Those gains will primarily go to strengthen the social safety net and promote greater overall engagement with the Empire.\nERIA QUINT: Let\u2019s just take a moment here, High-Secretary, to explain Active Engagement, since a lot of our audience may not be overly familiar with the details. This program would essentially require anyone, whether they\u2019re a citizen or civilian, to \u201cactively engage\u201d in an authorized civil service program while taking advantage of certain benefit programs. Many critics have cited this as the first step towards mandatory service for the populace.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Well, I see the benefits of this as twofold. First, it ensures social programs remain resilient and funded at a level proportional to their demand. Second, increasing civic engagement, much like improving infrastructure, benefits and strengthens the entire Empire. It makes people feel like a part of something bigger and gives a stake in creating a better future for all.\nERIA QUINT: Under this proposal, people could lose access to certain government programs if they don\u2019t participate, correct?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: There are a lot of rumors out there about what this program does and doesn\u2019t do. Let me make it clear that no one will lose access to the rights and services guaranteed to them in the Common Laws because of it. Essentially, those that need a little extra help will get it by giving a little back. For example, if someone needs help to afford a room in a housing exchange, they could volunteer at a local, government-run food bank.\nERIA QUINT: The majority of people who rely on social programs to survive are Civilians and unable to vote for Imperator. What would you say to those Civilians who may be worried about you implementing such a monumental change to their way of life?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Change is often hard but necessary. I believe that under Active Engagement, the UEE will be able to keep these social programs strong, even in times where we would\u2019ve faced a budgetary shortfall. In addition, some of the options available can lead to an individual gaining Citizenship, which will increase their contributions to the future of the UEE in a myriad of ways, including voting for Imperator.\nERIA QUINT: Turning our attention more specifically to that upcoming vote, why do you think Imperator Costigan hasn\u2019t endorsed your campaign?\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: You\u2019d have to ask him. I have great respect for Imperator Costigan and the tough situation he\u2019s facing with his son still in the race. Considering the circumstances, I believe him remaining neutral is the right call. Though I would like to point out that the Universalist Party has officially endorsed me as their candidate in this election.\nERIA QUINT: There are reports circulating that you and the Imperator haven\u2019t spoken in weeks.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: As you mentioned at the very beginning, I\u2019ve been incredibly busy, but my staff have been in constant communication with the Imperator\u2019s office.\nERIA QUINT: So his silence doesn\u2019t disappoint you? It\u2019s quite unusual for a sitting Imperator to not endorse their party\u2019s preferred candidate so late in the campaign.\n\nHIGH-SECRETARY SHARRAD: Look, I don\u2019t think this election will come down to one endorsement. This election will be about whose ideas and vision for the future of the Empire are the most inspiring. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here discussing my vision with you today and will continue to do tirelessly with anyone willing to listen until the election ends on October 24th.\nERIA QUINT: High-Secretary Sharrad and I have a lot more to discuss about her vision, but first we need to take a quick break. Don\u2019t go anywhere because there\u2019s more Showdown right after this."},"links_count":0,"comment_count":27,"created_at":"2020-06-10T02:00:00+00:00","created_at_human":"5 years ago"},"meta":{"processed_at":"2026-05-14 20:30:39","valid_relations":["images","links"],"prev_id":17641,"next_id":17643}}