Today, President Barack Obama formally nominated Charlotte, NC Mayor Anthony Foxx for the position of U.S. Secretary of Transportation. If confirmed, Foxx would be the first African-American to be nominated to the president’s cabinet this year.
In announcing the nomination at the White House, Obama said that Foxx has been “one of the most effective mayors Charlotte has ever seen.” Since he became Mayor in 2009, Foxx has initiated one of the largest investments in Charlotte, the street car project, expanded light rail, as well as the airport, all of which had led to significant job creation, he also said.
“Anthony’s experience will make him an outstanding transportation secretary,” Obama added. “And he is going to be extraordinarily effective.”
U.S. Conference of Mayors President Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, in a separate statement, praised President Obama for naming Foxx, a Mayor from a major metropolitan area, to his cabinet.
“Foxx, like all mayors is pragmatic and knows what it takes to get things done,” he said.
Nutter added: “As an executive, Mayor Foxx is keenly aware of the connection between transportation investment, economic growth and job creation, and he understands how critical transportation investment is to cities and metropolitan areas in fueling economic growth and recovery.”
If confirmed, Foxx will be one of two African-Americans joining Attorney General Eric Holder as a member of the president’s cabinet. He will replace outgoing Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood.
