Opinion: Local Congressman TJ Cox touts accomplishments in first-year report

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - 11:02am By Ed Martin, Editor

Rep. TJ Cox

Kings County’s congressman, TJ Cox, has certainly been busy during his first year as California’s 21st District representative. He recently issued a 28-page report highlighting his hard-earned accomplishments during his inaugural two-year term, and he’s particularly pleased that he’s been able to work with everyone – Republican, Independents, and Democrats – to get things done for the District.

His “Year in Review” lists many of the areas in which he’s worked, from health care and veterans’ affairs to the economy, education and the environment – and much more.

“I’m releasing this report because it’s my responsibility to show how policy made in Washington impacts every family in the Central,” said Cox in a statement attached to the report. “We’ve been working hard for you, both in Washington and in the Central Valley. In fact, by cutting through Washington’s red tape, we returned $445,212 to constituents just this year.”

Cox, indeed, has been a hard-working congressman, working diligently within the hallowed halls of our national capitol and then continually returning to his district to gauge the needs and desires of his district. Indeed, Mr. Cox, despite the unwieldy size of his California District – which stretches from Fresno to Bakersfield – has somehow managed to represent the needs of all of his district.

View the congressman's Year in Review Report

We’re especially pleased that he has been a regular visitor to Lemoore and Kings County. In fact, he was in Lemoore this past Friday night for the annual Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala. He’s held four town halls – including one in Hanford – in his district and has participated in at least 156 events the first year.

Certainly, a member of Congress, in his or her first year, will do everything to remain visible and relevant. We encourage Mr. Cox to continue his travels throughout the Valley and his willingness to hold town halls.

Indeed, many constituents may have voted against Cox in 2018, but we urge those who did to take a second or third look, attend a town hall, or perhaps contact his district or Washington offices. Based on what we at The Leader have observed, he’s an open, engaging presence who works hard to meet and listen to his constituents.

We’d love to see him hold a Lemoore town hall and continue to keep us informed of his actions, which up to now have been considerable. Keep up the excellent and essential work.