Rep. LaHood nominated as Sec. of Transportation

Submitted by mkohara on Fri, 12/19/2008 - 2:21pm

Re: Ray LaHood’s nomination

The Active Transportation Alliance is excited and hopeful about President-elect Barack Obama’s selection of Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood for the Secretary of Transportation appointment.

Rep. LaHood has been a longtime advocate for sensible transportation, defending Transportation Enhancements in 2003 and consistently supporting the development of multimodal transportation systems in Illinois.

We urge Rep. LaHood and President-elect Obama to establish transportation policies that adequately accommodate all Americans. From funding to policy, transportation options must be expanded. This means increased transit access and improved bicycling and walking conditions for people in urban, suburban and rural communities.

Between the upcoming Stimulus Economic Recovery Bill and next year’s Surface Transportation Authorization bill, this administration will have a unique opportunity to adequately fund all forms of transportation, including transit, bicycling and walking.

“Americans are in dire need of transportation options that are beneficial to their wallets, their communities and their environment,” said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

Tags:

Legislation/advocacy

Does he ride?

Submitted by Michael (not verified) on Fri, 12/19/2008 - 3:31pm.

Ray Lahood is a member of the congressional bike caucus. I'm not sure what they do, but it's a start.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_Caucus

from change.gov

Submitted by mkohara on Fri, 12/19/2008 - 2:56pm.

“Few understand our infrastructure challenge better than the outstanding public servant I am asking to lead the Department of Transportation – Ray LaHood. As a Congressman from Illinois, Ray served six years on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, leading efforts to modernize our aviation system by renewing our aging airports and ensuring that air traffic controllers were using cutting edge technology. Throughout his career, Ray has fought to improve mass transit and invest in our highways. But he has not only helped rebuild our landscape, he has helped beautify it by creating opportunities for bikers and runners to enjoy our great outdoors. When I began this appointment process, I said I was committed to finding the best person for the job, regardless of party. Ray’s appointment reflects that bipartisan spirit – a spirit we need to reclaim in this country to make progress for the American people.”From:From: http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/president-elect_obama_announces_choices...