Unlike a lot of political appointees, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta came into the Bush Administration well versed in transportation issues–particularly aviation. His bona fides included time on Capitol Hill as a congressman, a stint with Lockheed Martin and, on a more parochial level, a term as mayor of San Jose, Calif. He also served briefly as President Clinton’s Commerce Secretary and while at Lockheed he chaired the National Civil Aviation Review Commission.
Mineta’s interest in aviation goes back to his youth, and his selection as DOT secretary immediately won kudos from the general aviation industry. He once held a private pilot license, he has two sons who are commercial pilots, and he is married to a former flight attendant. Attesting to his popularity and the esteem to which he is held, his appointment as transportation secretary was unanimously approved by the Senate midway through his confirmation hearing on January 24.
