Candidate Q&A: John Cox

John Cox. Photo courtesy of Melissa Salman

The Republican Party primary election for Senate District P will take place Tuesday, Aug. 18. District P covers Cordova, Kodiak Island, Homer, Anchor Point, Kasilof, Ninilchik, Yakutat, Seldovia and Tyonek. The election will pit 17-year incumbent Sen. Gary Stevens against challenger John Cox.

John Cox
Challenger

Job: Retired.

Public service: Thirty-year U.S. Navy Veteran; president of Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce; food pantry volunteer; chair of Friends of NRA (Homer); introduced financial management and counseling to veterans and civilians underneath the Department of Defense.

Highest education: Degree in Administration of Justice, Automotive Technology (specializing in technological systems), University of Alaska.


What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Alaskans right now?
Although it’s very hard to pick favorites, one of the top issues facing Alaskans right now is having a legislature with an inability to forecast a budget; I never want to see Alaska in a state of uncertainty when it comes to managing state finances. In the words of Gary Stevens, “The PFD represents one-third Alaskan income.” It’s time to put individuals in front of the budget who are there on account of the people, not political survival.

How well do you think the Alaska Legislature is currently serving the needs of citizens?
I talked to a voter yesterday regarding a deep, personal issue that we both believed could only be remedied by fostering legislation. My team and I left that conversation with bitterness, not over her situation exclusively but bitterness over the fact that her state capitol is extremely inaccessible and the attempt to even petition her ideas in Juneau is considered a gamble. The character of our legislators may yield the best intentions, but in terms of occupation, they’re going to need a new colleague; a colleague that will shake up the composition of Juneau and leave them with the reminder that their power isn’t permanent. Then and only then, do I predict a positive change.

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Are Alaska’s current anti-coronavirus measures adequate?
I applaud the governor’s decision to test non-residents visiting our beautiful state, a policy that many states have yet to implement. Alaskans don’t live in a bubble, we’re just as much in this pandemic as the Lower 48 is and it’s important that we support our country by doing our part here. My only comment at this time for Alaskans is to follow common sense, and be patient with one another.

What sets you apart from Sen. Stevens?
I don’t know where to start. I have no intention on building stepping stones in a political career, nor do I plan on spending the entirety of my life in the political bureaucracy. Sen. Stevens has been in this game for a very long time and has become very comfortable with his personal experience. I won’t sit after session in Juneau to collect per diem for my household, as Stevens has done, nor will I join a caucus with the intention of grasping power, additional office funding, special roles. I won’t serve a “word salad” on journalism platforms to Alaskans who have concerns about high-profile issues, as Stevens has done. I will not look a fellow constituent, my employer, in the eye and tell them that they should ponder the idea of having a PFD reduced to $400 because he couldn’t foresee budget cuts in time, especially as a seasoned legislator. I have many beliefs and issues to raise, but no matter how this primary plays out, I will always be the stronger Republican.

What do you do to relax?
I find a lot of serenity in woodwork, fishing in my river, spending time with my wife and family, hunting, building things that make my house feel like a home. Alaskans don’t live dull lifestyles, and I can vouch for that.

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