Gov. Gary Herbert appointed a new lieutenant governor Tuesday after Greg Bell resigned from the position last month. State Rep. Spencer Cox (R) of Fairview will replace Bell, who cited his family’s financial situation as his reason for leaving public office and returning to the private sector.
Cox, who was elected into the state House last year, was formerly a Sanpete County commissioner as well as mayor and city councilman in Fairview, the town where he was born and raised.
In a statement from his office, Herbert said he was confident in Cox’s ability to fill Bell’s shoes and that the representative’s history of local government service and business experience made him a good fit for the position.
“I’m especially impressed with Spencer’s work ethic and commitment to public service,” Herbert said.
Cox said he was honored to be appointed to the position.
“I am deeply honored at the trust Governor Herbert has placed in me and recognize the immense responsibility that accompanies this appointment,” Cox said.
Cox further explained that he shared Herbert’s desire for limited government and continued economic expansion.
As a state representative, Cox served on the House Business and Labor Committee and the Government Communications Task Force. Cox is the vice-president of the rural telecommunications company CentraCom.
