Herb Cox will not run in 2020 election

All three of his children now work in Saskatchewan.

But after serving as the elected official for the Battlefords constituency for eight years, Cox will not seek re-election in the October 2020 vote.

“It just seemed like the right time for me to step aside and for somebody new to step in,” he said, pointing to a combination of factors behind the decision.

During his time in government, Cox served in cabinet as the minister of environment, advanced education, the minister responsible for SaskWater and the Water Security Agency. He has served as Government Whip, and as the legislative secretary for First Nations, Métis relationships and Northern Saskatchewan.

He currently serves as chair of the Crown and central agencies committee, is the legislative secretary to the minister of corrections and policing, and he is on the government caucus operations committee.

Looking back on his time as MLA, Cox pointed to a multitude of projects he is proud to have his name behind. Most recently, he was chair of the caucus committee on crime, which toured the province and gathered feedback to curb rising crime rates in Saskatchewan. The committee made several recommendations to the government, all of which were implemented.

While overseeing the environment portfolio, Cox spearheaded efforts to update and modernize drainage and other regulations in the province that were touched for decades, he said.

Closer to home, Cox said he and Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke lobbied hard for passing lanes, which have recently opened on area highways and are well received by regional travellers.

But the standout accomplishment during his time in elected office, Cox said, is the development and opening of the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.

“That is something that is going to be here for 100 years,” he said. “The old hospital was well past its best before date, and we needed a new one, and we now have one.”

Asked what he will miss most about the job, Cox was quick to credit the people he met day in and day out and those he was able to help.

“I campaigned as being the voice for the Battlefords in Regina and I have enjoyed doing that,” he said.

While travelling across Saskatchewan as part of various committees and as a minister was enjoyable, Cox said it always comes back to the constituents.

“The people you work with and the people I have been able to help,” he added. “That is the most rewarding part.”

For whoever may follow in his footsteps and represent the Saskatchewan Party in the next election, Cox said they must be prepared to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

“The decisions you make [need to be] the best for the majority of the people in your constituency and in this province,” he said. “If you live by that, I am sure the people of the Battlefords will realize that and elect you.”

Cox will continue to serve the remainder of his term for the next 15 months, but beyond that, he and his wife Linda’s plans are yet to be decided.

“I might take some vacation,” he said with a laugh. “I am the kind of guy that hasn’t taken many vacations in 45 years.”

Premier Scott Moe thanked Cox for his leadership on behalf of the Battlefords, and for his dedication to public service in the province.

Wall himself made a post on Facebook thanking Cox for his service.

“I am very grateful for your past support and your enduring friendship,” Wall wrote.

—

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

by battlefordsNOW Staff

Herb Cox will not run in 2020 election

What's Trending