WASHINGTON, D.C.—By a unanimous vote of 100 to 0, the Senate approved Anthony R. Foxx as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, replacing Ray LaHood. Foxx was mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, a post he had held since Nov. 3, 2009.
Foxx was the youngest mayor ever of Charlotte when elected to his first term at the age of 38. He is now 42, recently elected to his second mayoral term.
Aviation organizations were quick to congratulate Foxx on his unanimous confirmation.
Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), said in his position as mayor, Foxx saw firsthand the importance of general aviation to the city’s economy. He added that as Secretary of Transportation it is hoped Foxx will adopt policies that encourage the success and growth of general aviation nationwide.
Craig Fuller, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), said AOPA is ready and willing to work with the new secretary on important issues facing aviation in America today.
“We look to Secretary Foxx to promote policies that will enable general aviation to continue to serve as an economic engine and vital component of our national transportation system,” Fuller said.
The local government experience Foxx brings to Washington was cited as a plus by Marion Blakey, president and CEO of Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) [and a former administrator of the FAA].
During his confirmation hearing, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) asked how the nominee would deal with sequester, which calls for cutting back spending. Foxx replied that he would try to maximize efficiency with the least amount of pain possible. H added that he cannot guarantee there will be painless choices.
I saw nothing in any report that this guy has any deep rooted love or experience with aviation, let alone GA.
I am skeptical that he is anything other than a politician that landed himself a nice federal job with a big fat paycheck.
I hope I am wrong but if I am not I won’t be surprised.