"[1] While mayor, Knox was active in creating new public works projects for the city, such as expanding water and sewage facilities.

To allow for an expanded airport, the city bought land for Montgomery Field and gained a 50-year lease for Naval Air Station Miramar.

Unfortunately, the City Council terminated the Miramar lease a year after Knox left office and sold part of Montgomery Field for use by General Dynamics to manufacture missiles.

Although Knox was accused of promoting this project to benefit his dairy business, he became a local hero for winning the battle against the federal government over the San Diego's right to some of the Colorado River water.

Knox was injured in a plane crash in 1944 and subsequently suffered health problems, so declined to run for re-election in 1951.