Cox is running for mayor

LUDINGTON — Ludington Middle School teacher Ryan Cox has announced he is running for mayor. Cox is the fifth person to take out a petition for the position.

“After much deliberation and encouragement from others, I have decided to run for mayor because I want to play a leadership role in ensuring that the City of Ludington remains a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” Cox said in a release. “I believe one way to do this is to focus on making on our economy strong year round, by attracting new business and industry to our community.”

In additional to working for Ludington Area Schools, Cox works in his family’s business, Cox’s Sales and Service of Scottville. He is a 2001 graduate of Mason County Central Schools and received his bachelor of science degree in social studies education and history from Central Michigan University.

Cox said he has always been interested in politics, which is one of the reasons he chose to major in social studies and history. He said he is committed to continually finding new and innovative ways that lead the city towards growth and prosperity.

“As I was growing up my parents stressed the importance of being involved and taking pride in your community,” He said.  “Serving as mayor will allow me to do this and also give me the opportunity to encourage others to do the same, especially the younger generation.

Cox serves as a reserve officer for the Ludington Police Department and most recently served as co-chair of United Way of Mason County’s annual fundraising campaign. He and his wife Tracy, a Ludington/Scottville police officer, have lived in Ludington for six years.

Others who have announced they have taken out a petition for mayor include Kaye Ferguson Holman, Tom Rotta, A. Pete Engblade and David Kosla. Citizens have until 4 p.m. May 14 to turn in petitions for mayor and city council seats. Also up for election are council seats in the second, fourth and sixth wards. The August primary election is Aug. 6 and the general election is Nov. 5.