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Fox announces Tory nomination bid

Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox may still be hearing about his floor crossing from the Wildrose party to join
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ROD FOX

Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox may still be hearing about his floor crossing from the Wildrose party to join the governing PC party this past December, but he said he’s ready to represent the party moving forward into the next election.

Fox was among the nine Wildrose MLAs, including former leader Danielle Smith, who defected from the Wildrose caucus to join the governing party, which inspired conversation and debate among many Albertans.

Fox announced his intentions last week, that he will be seeking the nomination within the constituency. “I receive lots of questions no matter where I go and I’m always open to input and ideas.”

Now that three other candidates have put their names forward for the PC nomination, Fox will have a true race on his hands.

“I’m sure it will provide the opportunity to engage and increase involvement,” he said.

Fox said he’s looking forward to bringing the experience he’s gained as an MLA, and will continue to advocate on behalf of the constituency.

Fox’s background is in insurance, finance, marketing, managing and business relations. He has acted as a sales manager in the four western provinces for the largest Canadian-owned insurance premium finance company.

Fox has been active in federal political advocacy serving two terms as a financial agent, three terms as president and sat as a policy chair on MP Blaine Calkins’ Wetaskiwin Riding Association board of directors.

Fox has also been active within the community, having served as a director on the Lacombe Economic Development Board and as a candidate in the 2007 municipal election. “I will continue to advocate for education, sound fiscal policy, promote agriculture and the oil sector and the diversification of the economy,” he said.

Fox said his decision behind making the move to cross the floor, in the end, was based on the best interests of the area, and to work with the current government, instead of from the outside. “We have been advocating on a set of values and principles and what has happened, is the government wanted to bring the values and principles I campaigned on in the last election into their government,” he said.

“Instead of opposing that, I decided to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

Fox said that his role as an MLA has not changed. “I was the person asked to take the voice of the constituents to the legislature and I will continue to make sure that voice is heard.”

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