Saturday, October 27, 2012

A public response to Bob Bernick

Bob Bernick,

re:
http://www.utahpolicy.com/view/full_story/20596960/article-Which-Legislative-Republicans-are-in-Danger-of-Losing-?

"Last week the House GOP caucus – which is usually open – closed its doors so members could discuss which among their colleagues are worried about losing Nov. 6.

Sources tell UtahPolicy that while several seats were discussed, two at the top of the “worried” list are Reps. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville/West Valley City, and Fred Cox, R-West Valley."


My race wasn't discussed this time during the House GOP caucus. I didn't bring it up and I don't remember anyone else doing so either.

After the caucus, there were several members or candidates that were asked to meet with two individuals that recommend campaign funding from the house republican PAC, including me. At this point, I do not expect any additional campaign funds coming from the PAC due to that meeting. The PAC had been generous already.

The District I am in, and the newly drawn House District 30 have been a swing district for many years. Take a look at the 2004 races for House District 32 and 29. About 80% of the new house district 30 is the current House District 32.

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/results/results_arch/2004general.html#20

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/results/results_arch/2004general.html#17

As someone that was not expected by some to win against Sherri Winder twenty months ago, I did, even if it was by one vote in the 2nd round. I had been optimistic of my chances anyway, and I am today. I beat a Winder in West Valley City. A very nice lady and the Mayor's mom.

Sherri had name recognition and respect, but many of the delegates picked me because they believed I would do a good job and I could win in 2012.

It was rumored at the time that a Rushton or other well known name would run in 2012 for the democrats and that Sherri Winder was the only one of the 4 candidates that could win the 2012 general election.

As it has turned out, I ended up with the part time job and Sherri Winder landed the full time job working for Rep. Jason Chaffetz office. She loved working there. I was shocked and sad when she died in an accident a little over a year ago.

This year, the last ballots will not be counted and released until about November 20th. While I hope to be enough ahead when the votes that are counted on November 6th are announced, I am willing to wait, just like the County Mayor's race did for the primary election.

During redistricting, I could have pushed for the recommendation that the new District 32 not have another incumbent but would include part of Kearns and West Jordan. I said at the time that I would rather have a district that made sense and run against another incumbent.

When I found out where Rep. Fisher lived and the proposed boundaries, I did push to move about 2000 people [shift the boundary lines] in the district so Rep. Fisher would not have to look across the street and out of the new district. I lost that suggestion.

I have worked with some amazing people and unexpected resources and I am optimistic for November 6th and November 20th. It only takes one vote and everyone counts.

Fred C. Cox
Member of the Utah House of Representatives District 32 and running to represent the newly drawn State House District 30

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/

My blog is at:
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Utah’s Greatest Resources are its People

Utah’s Greatest Resources are its People

An educated workforce is critical for a prosperous economy

Utah’s teachers are heroes and should be respected for key work they do to help families.

According to the Utah State Office of Education, Utah has the nation’s lowest administrative costs and our schools are rated by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce as providing its citizens a better return on investment than any other state.

I support Governor Herbert’s goals for Education

Sixty-six percent of adult Utahns will have a postsecondary degree or professional certification by 2020.

Ensure our school children achieve reading proficiency by the end of 3rd Grade.

Increase the number of High School students completing post-secondary courses.

Align educational training to meet the workforce demands of the marketplace.


It is crucial that Utah Public Education continue to do amazingly well with the resources we have with great teachers, innovation, and technology.

As a member of the State House last year and this year, I have been standing up to protect and promote Public Education.

I have worked to find and create other funding sources to help support Public Education and have fought to provide funding for student growth, K-3 Reading, and technology.

I am honored to be supported by Utah’s Education First.

Education First is a citizens group 40,000 members strong. Education First supports public officials and candidates for office in Utah who support our state’s economic future by putting education first.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Meet the Candidates Night sponsored by Region 5 PTA of the Granite School District

Even if you missed all of the dozen town hall meetings I have had this year, come to this event on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

Attend the Meet the Candidates Night sponsored by Region 5 PTA of the Granite School District as well as the Council and Local PTAs in our region.

Hunter High School 4200 South 5600 West, West Valley City, UT

Proposed Agenda:

6:30 p.m. – Open House Forum opens to the public; a few areas with chairs will be set up, and light dessert/refreshment table will be provided to the public; sample ballots and maps of voting districts will be displayed for public to see

By 7:00 p.m. – Program - Candidate introductions and statements in auditorium: • Flag presentation • Opening comments by PTA Committee • Candidates give 1 - 2 minute intro/statement

By 7:45 p.m. – Resume open house format;

clean up and be out of building by 9 p.m.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Two Incumbents Keep the Right One


Obviously, I am the right one because I am not the left one, but that isn't the real important answer. Many voters are just starting to realize they have a choice between two incumbents. One of the reasons I am asking the question is I want them to research and decide for themselves, who is the right incumbent to keep?

I received this response to the question from  
Utah State Representative Ronda Menlove:

"You are the right one because you work harder and you are more committed to learning about the issues so you can represent your constituents well. You have formed friendships and alliances that allow you to get things done. You know how to make a difference!"

Some other statements:

Ron Bigelow, former member of the Utah State House of Representatives.
“As a member of the State Legislature, Fred works hard. He researches issues and bills, has been willing to speak up, and is not afraid to take a stand. Fred ran two bills for neighbors and made sure they passed both the House and Senate and were signed by the Governor.”

Speaker Becky Lockhart:
"Fred Cox is a man of courage. He stands up for what he believes is right for the people of his district."

Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah
"I support Representative Fred Cox in his election effort for the new State House District 30. Fred is a strong conservative who will stand up for the principles of limited government and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."

Jim Bennett,  Bob Bennett 2010 U.S. Senate Campaign

"I met Fred Cox when he was helping other candidates running for office, including one running against my father. I found Fred to be hardworking and fair. While some in politics leave you feeling you don't want to see them again, Fred was willing to be my friend, even though we were helping candidates running against each other. When I found a national blog article that unfairly blamed my father for something another senator had done, and I found I couldn't immediately post a correction, I called Fred.
Fred made sure that a correction was posted, even though that wouldn't help his candidate. We need civility in government and officials that care more about finding solutions for constituents than partisan bickering. With that, I endorse Fred Cox for State House of Representatives."

Larry Jensen, Utah Republican Grassroots Activist:

"I have admired the tenacity of Representative Fred Cox both in and out of the legislature. He is a very competent legislator who understands the issues that effect Utahns as well as anyone I know. Fred's most admirable trait is that he approaches all people and projects with unwavering honesty."

Kevin Fayles, West Valley City 2009 mayoral candidate:
 
"Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, Fred treats all with respect. He cares passionately about making our community a better place and is open to new ideas. He is a thoughtful, caring legislator."

Susan Southwick, Tea Party Patriots, Utah State Coordinator:
"After having had the opportunity to work with Fred Cox on various projects, I am delighted to endorse Fred as he runs as a representative in Utah's Legislative District 30. Fred is one of the most ethical and honest people I know. I also know he works tirelessly on any project he takes on. District 30 will be well served to have Fred C. Cox represent them in the Utah legislature."

National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund, (NRA) Endorsed Candidate
National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust, Endorsed Candidate

Candidacy supported by: Education First

Endorsed by:
James Rushton, West Valley City, UT
Kelly Allen, former PTSA Junior High School President, West Valley City, UT
Utah Senator Daniel W. Thatcher, West Valley City, UT
Phil Conder, West Valley City, UT

Jason Chaffetz,  U.S. Representative for Utah's 3rd District
Utah Senator Wayne Niederhauser, Sandy, UT

Dave Hansen, former Utah Republican State Party Chair
Deidre Henderson,  former Campaign Manager at Jason Chaffetz for Congress
Cherilyn Eagar, Candidate U.S. Congress 2012
Bennion Spencer, Candidate for U.S. Congress 2008


And many, many more... 

Monday, October 1, 2012

Utah's Common Core

I don't mind having access to a national grassroots standard, as long as we have the flexibility to amend/modify/add/delete anything to make it better.

Math teachers I have talked to believe the standard will do 2 things, help ACT scores rise and decrease the number of students taking remedial math when they reach college.

Many do not like the no text books and wants other options.

There are those that would have taken 8th grade Algebra that would take Calculus their senior year that should not have to waste their 8th grade and could move faster and those that are not understanding the concepts, and may not understand, that have traditionally been taught by rote.

The standard, a is a one size fits all approach, which will only work with the middle students.

The race to the top funding competition provided little time for the states to adopt common core, so almost no legislatures were involved in the adoption nationally. With the National Governors Association behind it, I am not surprised it was signed in the approx. 2 months the states were given initially. Federal Funds are the only enforcement tool, and we haven't got any of them over this yet.

I believe it was Governor Huntsman in 2009 who signed up for this direction along with the state school board who was acting constitutionally: "The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. ", were within their duties. Saying the Feds are outside their constitutional powers is one thing, which I agree with, but saying the state school board was outside theirs is an argument that would be lost.

The only thing the legislature has done so far is raise concerns and provide some barrier to federal control, calling it Utah's Common Core in the Statewide Adaptive Testing request for proposal. The feds have lowered the student privacy laws and so we have tied Utah's student privacy laws to any Statewide Adaptive Testing system funding. See 2012 HB 15 and 2012 SB 97.

2012 SCR 13 passed the senate, but ran out of time in the House. I am not sure it would have passed and the house killed a move to bump it to the top of a short list at the end.

The schools have spent the last 2 summers gearing up for this, and changing their books, etc. If the legislature is going to now get further involved, it should be very limited.