U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced his resignation, effective July 7. In a letter to President Bush on June 20, Mineta said that after five years as Secretary “it is time…to move on to other challenges.”
Mineta noted that DOT’s implementation of SAFTEA-LU, its quick response in grounding civilian flights on Sept. 11, 2001 and the subsequent formation of the Transportation Security Administration, as well as the recent creation of a national plan to reduce traffic congestion, were among his most memorable accomplishments as Secretary of Transportation.
Mineta’s letter was markedly personal, noting his appreciation of President Bush’s appointment of a Democrat to head DOT. “Since our first conversation in Austin on Jan. 2, 2001 up until and including this very day, you have treated me—a Democrat—with great respect and courtesy,” Mineta stated. “In continuance of a relationship built on mutual trust and shared ideals, as well as a considerable measure of real affection, I respectfully submit this letter of resignation.”
To see the letter, go to www.dot.gov/affairs/MinetaLetter.pdf
