Cox was born on July 27, 1955, in Lowell to John E. and Arlene M. Cox.[1][2] His father was an insurance salesman who served He graduated from Lowell High School in 1973 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from Salem State College in 1977 and a J.D. degree from the New England School of Law in 1980. Cox served as an assistant Middlesex district attorney for one year before opening his own law practice in Lowell.[2]
State representative
In 1982, Cox was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Nikolas Lambros in the Democratic primary. He would go on to serve a total of six terms.[2]
In 1994, Cox was fined $1,750 by the State Ethics Commission for accepting free meals and other gratuities from lobbyists in violation of state conflict-of-interest rules.[2]
City manager
In 2000, Cox was named City Manager of Lowell.[2] He had some success as city manager, but his style clashed with that of the city council.[3] In April 2006, city councilors met with Cox to inform him that the majority of the council wanted him to step down. Later that month he announced his resignation.[4]