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MAYOR ANTHONY FOXX NOMINATED AS SECRETARY OF U.S. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx has been nominated as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mayor Foxx’s appointment will make him the fourth Mayor to serve as Transportation Secretary. Mayor Foxx appeared before the Commerce Committee on Wednesday, May 22nd to a very warm reception.
At his hearing, Mayor Foxx outlined his three main goals, if confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Transportation. They are:
- Safety:
“Ensuring our transportation system is the safest in the world will be my top priority as it has been for Secretary LaHood, the dedicated DOT workforce, and this Committee.”
- Efficiency and Performance:
“Cutting edge transportation leaders across the county are finding new ways to boost productivity through better use of technology, data, economic analysis, and private sector innovation…to bring more private sector capital and innovation to the infrastructure market.”
- Planning for the Future:
“We must build this country’s infrastructure to meet the needs of the next generation of Americans… The Federal Government has a responsibility to help ensure our global competitiveness, by investing in a robust, multimodal transportation system, a stronger national freight network, and key innovations like NextGen and advanced roadway and rail technology.”
Mayor Foxx repeatedly emphasized his belief that transportation can foster job creation and economic recovery, saying;
“When I became Mayor in 2009, Charlotte was facing an economic downturn and steep revenue declines. I decided to make efficient and innovative transportation investment the centerpiece of Charlotte’s job creation and economic recovery efforts”.
Mayor Foxx is known for his commitment to public transportation. His impressive record on transportation caught the attention of President Obama, who said,
“Since Anthony took office, they’ve broken ground on a new streetcar project, that’s going to bring modern electric tram service to the downtown area. They’ve expanded the international airport. And they’re extending the city’s light rail system. All of that has not only helped create new jobs, it’s helped Charlotte become more attractive to business.”
Mayor Foxx is expected to be confirmed by the full Senate. His transportation record includes improving local highways, adding a runway at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and extending rail lines. Since becoming mayor in 2009, Foxx has pushed for a $1 billion extension of the city’s rail line to UNC Charlotte. A vote will likely come after the Memorial Day recess. Read more about Mayor Foxx’s confirmation, including his introductory comments, here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LOS ANGELES MAYOR-ELECT ERIC GARCETTI!
Eric Garcetti was elected to succeed Democratic Mayor Anthony Villaraigosa as the Mayor of Los Angeles. He is the city’s first elected Jewish Mayor and the youngest Mayor in over a century. Garcetti defeated his opponent, Wendy Greuel by 8% points in a race that ended up spending a record setting $33 million between the two candidates.
Eric Garcetti served on the Los Angeles City Council since 2011. He is a Rhodes Scholar and taught public policy at Occidental College and the University of Southern California before entering politics. Read more about Eric Garcetti’s victory here.