May 2022 Election: Joe Cox

What made you want to run for this position?

There are a lot of questionable decisions made in several areas, decisions that appear to be unlawful, out of the framework of the constitution, or simply immoral. I want an opportunity to serve our community by common sense voting and to provide the very best environment for our students, teachers, and staff.

What kind of experience - educational, professional or personal - do you bring to this position?

I am the owner of a successful business. Being fiscally responsible is a necessary requirement in business that transfers to our district in terms of taxing and spending, etc. I am a staunch patriot with a good grasp of the Constitution. As such, I feel I can offer insight and guidance to help this district achieve excellence while limiting government overreach. I desire an education system that grooms the future of this community and nation, and gives them all the tools for sucess. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Elgin ISD?

Getting test scores up to the state and national levels or beyond, increasing the salaries of teachers and staff, keeping taxes low, and establishing equality across all levels of extracurricular.

How do you expect Elgin ISD to adapt as Bastrop County’s population grows? Where do you see the school district in five years?

With the current level of growth, our schools will be completely overcrowded and understaffed, unless we spend wisely to build new facilities or renovate current ones in a major way. Accordingly, as I mentioned above pertaining teacher salaries, we need to offer competitive pay to retain the teachers we have and attract new teachers to meet the need. I feel it to be extremely important not to overwhelm our teachers with classes too big for them to effectively offer each student the required attention.

What is one issue you want to fix or improve if you take office?

I want to fix the poor, unlawful, and immoral decision making that has plagued this district and establish a culture of excellence and pride in our schools and our community.

Why should the voters choose you? What sets you apart from your opponent?

Lots of people may say they have the same beliefs and core values as I do, but it does no good if there is an unwillingness to stand up for those beliefs. Worse yet, if there is an unwillingness to fight against the extremism that is surely coming our way. I am not afraid to stand up for what is right, and I will make no apology for doing so.