On Wednesday, October 8th, Governor Gary R. Herbert announced he had selected Representative Spencer J. Cox to serve as Utah’s next Lieutenant Governor. He will appear before the Senate Government Operations Confirmation committee Tuesday, and on Wednesday the full Senate will vote to confirm him. I’m confident the Senate will recognize Rep. Cox’s many great abilities and talent.
Spencer J. Cox was born and raised in the town of Fairview. He and his wife Abby were both raised on farms in Sanpete County, where they learned the value of dedication and hard work. Spencer and Abby both graduated from North Sanpete High School, Snow College, and Utah State University. While at USU, Spencer was recognized by the Political Science Department as the Student of the Year and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. He then graduated from the Washington and Lee law school with honors, while distinguishing himself with several accolades, including work on the Law Review.
Upon graduation, Spencer served as a law clerk to Federal District Judge Ted Stewart. He then began his career as an attorney at Fabian and Clendenin in Salt Lake City. Following the birth of their third child, Spencer and Abby decided to return to rural Utah to raise their family.
Spencer took a job as vice president of CentraCom, a rural telecommunications company. Once a small rural telephone company, CentraCom had expanded to offer Internet and cable TV services. Spencer helped lead his com
pany to develop new business and expand their footprint. Since he joined the company, CentraCom has doubled in size from 45 employees to more than 90, despite the severe economic downturn. His employer received the news of his departure with mixed emotions—happy the State will gain his services, but disappointed they will lose a star in their company.
Spencer has extensive experience in public service, having served as Fairview City Councilman, Fairview City Mayor and Sanpete County Commissioner. He distinguished himself again as Commissioner during last year’s horrendous Wood Hollow wildfire, which consumed almost 50,000 acres and destroyed over 50 homes. Rep. Cox currently serves in the House of Representatives, District 58. Spencer was elected by rural economic development leaders and elected officials to serve as my co-chair on the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board. In that influential position, Spencer acts as a voice of rural Utah to advise the Governor and Legislature on rural economic growth. During his tenure, the Board has significantly advanced the cause of rural Utah’s economy.
Governor Herbert wants his Lieutenant Governor to do much more than cut ribbons and kiss babies. Lt. Governor Cox will be given a large and demanding portfolio. Spencer’s intelligence, integrity, experience and ENERGY will serve the people of Utah well. I know Spencer will enjoy the same kind of choice relationship I have had with Gary Herbert. What a pleasure it has been to watch this great Governor in action. He receives far less credit than he deserves. A man of character and principle and prudence, Gary Herbert works non-stop for Utah. With Gov. Herbert and Lt. Governor Cox, Utah will have an excellent team at its helm.
