With expectations that president-elect Obama might pick his cabinet in the next few weeks, we’re following his pick for Transportation Secretary very closely.
Previously, we reported early rumors that Obama was considering former City of Portland transportation commissioner and now U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer or Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar (whose arguably the most important and revered politician to the national bike movement).
This morning I noticed a story on Traffic World (a transportation industry publication) that revealed more information about Obama’s potential pick.
In addition to Blumenauer and Oberstar, Traffic World mentions Eugene’s Peter DeFazio and several other names. The story also shares that it might be someone unexpected:
Transportation industry executives close to the Obama campaign, speaking on condition of anonymity, say it is more likely, however, that the incoming administration will seek to put a new stamp on the department through new appointments less familiar to Washington’s political establishment.
Among those mentioned in the article is New York City’s Transportation Commissioner Jeanette Sadik-Khan. Sadik-Khan has overseen several groundbreaking bike, pedestrian, and transit oriented projects in New York City. We recently reported on her recent visit to Portland (arranged by TriMet) and a video interview she did with Streetfilms.
— Read the full story on TrafficWorld.com.
i’m liking this. said it then. how about Muhammad Ra’oof for FBI chief?
MMMmmm… first, President Dreamy. Then, Transportation Commissioner Dreamy.
I’m liking this change that I can believe in.
Wow, that would be exciting, she is absolutely wonderful!
I think his pick for Energy secretary should also be on people’s radar screens. If he picks someone that merely wants to replace petroleum with some other source of energy and thus maintain the status quo of driving everywhere, not good.
Hopefully, he’ll pick someone that has a more holistic view of how linked transportation and energy truly are.
Speaking of holistic view, do a story on the newly appointed Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and exiting Mayor of Boulder CO, Shaun McGrath. He lead the charge to get Boulder Platinum bike status, considering ways to get Boulder off the grid. He’s someone to watch!