COLUMBIA BASIN — After Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax, was appointed to the state House of Representatives Monday, he immediately began work in Olympia the next day.

He was appointed by county commissioners from the six counties represented by the Ninth Legislative District.

The seat became vacant when Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa. Hailey resigned in December to be treated for colon cancer. Shortly after his resignation, he died.

“It’s exciting to get to work with the people I respect and admire on both sides of the isle and the staff that I get to work with again,” Cox said. “I would have loved to see Steve Hailey there for the years that he wanted to (serve). Having his life cut short is kind of a bittersweet part of it.”

Cox served the Ninth Legislative District in the House from 1999 to 2007 before he retired.

“When I retired, I didn’t ever expect to be doing this again,” he said.

After learning the seat was vacant, he decided to file for the position because he felt the Ninth District needed a leader with experience.

For someone new, who has never served in the Legislature, it would have been a hardship because the orientation for new lawmakers had passed and it would be difficult to prepare someone on such short notice, he said.

“I know the people and the process,” he added.

Cox said now is a time for someone else interested in the position to begin learning the legislative process and becoming known by the community. He said he will continue to run for the position as long as he is needed and to protect educational issues, which are important to him.

He said he is interested in protecting the educational system from levy equalization.

“Most people don’t realize the impact of levy equalization,” he said. “If we lose a portion of (state levies) like the governor has proposed, that means schools must pass more levies.”

Cox said he is interested in helping Democratic lawmakers with writing legislation to ensure Eastern Washington is considered in the bills.

He also plans to rebuild personal relationships with fellow lawmakers and citizens.

“I have lost contact with a lot of people in two years and I hope they feel welcome to call with concerns,” Cox said.

He said he pledges to return all phone calls and e-mails.

His legislative office can be reached at 360-786-7942 and his e-mail is cox.don@leg.wa.gov.