Libby three vie for commissioner

A former Libby businessman has become the third to file for the District 1 Lincoln County Commissioner seat.

An application from Don Cox, 57, was filed on Thursday in the Lincoln County Courthouse. Cox owned a chiropractic practice in Libby for 18 years before retiring from the profession two years ago.

This will be Cox's first venture into politics.

"At this point in my life I'm not actively involved in a business anymore and it's something I think I can do a good job with," Cox said about his reason for applying. "I won't have any particular agenda that I'm trying to promote or pursue."

Cox and his family moved to Libby from Spokane, Wash. when he was six months old. Cox's father owned a machine shop in Libby for 42 years and Cox worked with his father while he was growing up and during school. Cox also worked with his father for 15 years following graduation.

Cox eventually went on to school at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He returned home to open his practice. He sold his business two years ago to Dr. Scott Foss who studied under Cox for three years.

"I'm not at a point when I want to 'retire retire,'" Cox explained. "In the last couple years it's been nice to do what I wanted when I wanted. I want to try new things."

Cox is also a pilot, earning his license about four years ago. His dad was also a pilot. He is currently driving log truck for Jim Wyman in a fill-in capacity.

"I've always wanted to do that and now I get the chance," he added. "I grew up working on [trucks], now I'm on the other side and I get to drive them."

Always in a position of helping people, Cox said his biggest duty as commissioner would be to "maintain a good balance, keep the budget adhered to and there are a number of issues to address," he said. "Decisions need to be made and it's important to hear both sides of an issue and allow people to make an educated decision."

Thus far, Cox joins current Libby Mayor Tony Berget and Libby businessman Mike Munro in the race for Lincoln County District 1 commissioner, a six-year term.

"I'll be working for the county as opposed to a small special interest group," Cox said.

Berget, Munro and Cox are running for the office that is currently held by Rita Windom, who will be retiring after serving two terms in the commissioner seat.

Eileen Carney filed for Montana State Representative for the Libby area on Jan. 28.

Offices officially opened for application on Jan. 22 and will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 20.

Including District 1 County Commissioner, County Clerk of Court and Precinct Committee Persons are vacant at the county level. Also included in the political race are President, Vice President, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives seats, Governor and Lt. Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Supreme Court Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justice #3, District Court Judge and Public Service Commissioner.

The primary election in Montana will be held June 3. The general election is Nov. 4.