Cox replaces Hailey as state rep

COLUMBIA BASIN — Colfax resident Don Cox, 69, a former state representative for the Ninth Legislative District, was appointed to serve again Monday afternoon.

County commissioners from all six counties represented in the legislative district met to select someone to replace Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, who died of colon cancer in December.

There were 14 commissioners who met to discuss the appointment, said Adams County commissioner Rudy Plager. Each commissioner voted publicly and spoke openly about the issue. There are 18 commissioners but four were absent from the meeting.

Cox received nine votes, Jeff Holy of Cheney received one vote and Hans Engelke of Mesa received four votes, Plager said. The three candidates were selected by Republican Party precinct committee officers of the Ninth District.

All the candidates are affiliated with the Republican Party. A Republican was required to fill the position because it was vacated by a Republican.

“I think Don has the most experience,” he said. “He will represent the Ninth very well and has a track record of doing that.”

Plager said although he voted for Engelke, he expects Cox to serve the district well.

Cox was first appointed to the Legislature in 1999. He vacated the position in 2007 and Hailey was appointed to serve the position.

Cox took his oath of office at Whitman County Superior Court with Judge David Frazier conducting the service.

He plans to be working in Olympia this week.

In his past service, he specialized in education and transportation.

The Columbia Basin Herald was unable to reach Cox for comment.