Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Before law school, Jeff Cox was a meat inspector. Now, as Springfield’s new Ward One alderman, he’ll be making the sausage.

“I’m civic-minded,” Cox said after the meeting. “I was raised to give back to the community. My dad is former military, my mom was a nurse, very community-oriented folks, and I kind of miss that part of my life.”

Cox, credited with helping launch the state’s legalized cannabis programs when he was with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, now works for a Palatine-based cannabis concern as chief compliance officer. He says there will not be a conflict of interest, as his employer does not do business in Springfield.

The city council vote Tuesday to appoint Cox was unanimous. Chuck Redpath‘s move to the city clerk‘s office created the vacancy in the ward near Lake Springfield.

 

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