Progress Illinois

I'm impressed at Tomasky's ability to see the bright side in all this. More likely, I think Ryan Avent's option #2 is probably correct.

This is a sad day for NATCA and PASS. All we can hope for is a pro-labor FAA Administrator because under Bush the FAA declared WAR on the Air Traffic Controllers and equipment specialists who ACTUALLY MOVE AIRPLANES!!! Blakely, the Administrator appointed by the Bush Administration, was whole heartedly for contracting out the FAA to cronies with no accountability for failure and absolutely no cost savings to the American taxpayer due to "pay for service" scenarios that counteract any possible savings. Under Blakely, Air Traffic Controllers began retiring in droves, leaving new unqualified trainees to fill in for the veterans who'd had enough. Near misses went up, staffing levels went down, and if it wasn't for the current reduction in flights due to the poor economy, God help us! Aircraft Inspectors were discouraged from doing their jobs and even threatened in some cases, while more and more aircraft maintenance moved overseas. You don't screw with the safest Air Traffic Control system in the world for political/idealogical reasons.

In the six weeks since the election, I often hear the cries of disappointment from many of Obama’s most ardent supporters. Folks, sorry to upset you, but Obama is not from the far left “super liberal” wing of the democrat party, as many of you had hoped. He is a moderate democrat, whose political philosophy lies at the center-right of his party. It is no surprise that he is going to surround himself with those he aligns himself with philosophically. They are pragmatists rather than ideologues. I am certainly welcoming of and enthusiastic that he is choosing the people he has, taking into account their ability to govern rather than philosophical or political positions.

Despite some of my initial reservations of his appointments, overall, they have been prudent and will bring about change as promised. Remember, despite the democratic wins in November this country is split 50/50. Anyone who has watched and followed policy changes knows and understands that changes and progress don’t happen overnight - they are slow and tedious. It is more important that Obama work with all interested parties. If he were a far left liberal, as many of you would have preferred, we would be paralyzed for the next four years, if all eight. Obama is a reformer who can reach out to both conservative and progressive factions within Washington, and move this nation to make the changes it so desperately needs. Coming from the center will bring in the majority of stakeholders, and the overall support and admiration from both conservatives and liberals alike. Changes will be permanent and not expire after his term; they will and should fundamentally change the focus of policy, politics and purpose and role of government. We already know the damage that extremist ideologue Presidents can cause, it doesn’t matter whether they are extremely liberal or a neo-conservative. Not right, not left, forward.

With respect to that, the appointment of Ray LaHood is a brilliant choice. First and foremost, it is important to remember that the role of most department secretary’s is management and their ability to govern. They set the tone and deliver the policy that the “experts” within the department first develop. Secretaries often act as the liaison between congress and their respective departments. Obama’s other picks such as Duncan for ED, Vilscak for Ag, Salazar for Interior, etc. were decisions made, I imagine, on their ability to govern rather than because they are experts in their fields. They are not experts in respective fields; they are dealmakers, politicians, that what is important. The USDOT, as someone mentioned, has historically been fraught with highly contested policy between highway and rail advocates. Getting some of your 18.4 cents and other funding for l rail and other alternatives took many years to bring about, even Jimmy Carter couldn’t do it. Having a republican at the post is brilliant, he will be able to reach out to the people and bring in the stakeholders that are needed to make sweeping changes in U.S. transportation funding. Furthermore, LaHood’s, support of Amtrak and his departure from his party on other issues, shows that he is willing and able to stand on his own. Yes, he is a republican, with a conservative philosophy, but he is able to institute the changes that are necessary to rebuild our infrastructure, bring alternative modes of transit to our cities, etc. I imagine within the next 4 years, there will be huge changes in transportation policy, you’ll be saying good things about LaHood. Our roads will be repaired, our bridges secure, bike lanes, light rail, you name it. In short, LaHood will bring additional accountability to DOT, work with both sides of the aisle, and bring some change in our favor.
Here in Portland, our use of federal funds has changed, in several ways, the way we get around. We haven’t built a new freeway in decades; our federal funding is used for alternatives such as light rail, bicycle and pedestrian transit planning, and highway maintenance and upgrades. We have a long way to go, however we are headed in the right direction and could be a model for the nation.

As som.eone from Peoria, I must say I am very disappointed with this news. LaHood is not all that he is portrayed to be. He may be moderate compared to some and willing to buck his party now and then. Don't be fooled -- he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. His arrogance and smugness finally wore out their welcome in Peoria even among some of his orginal supporters. He is extremely vindictive and very thin-skinned. This is a terrible slap in the face to Central Illinois Democrats.

Central IL Democrats?? Ray LaHood is a slap in the face of ALL IL Democrats! Ray LaHood does nothing unless he benefits his personal long-term goals. If the public happens to benefit -- how else does the con artist maintain the illusion to keep the mark on the hook??

USDOT is not what he wants. It is simply a convenient means to an end. Elected office -- absolutely his ultimate goal. He wants to be either Governor or Senator LaHood. Taking this appointment is a placeholder for him. He wants to be physically located in DC -- temporarily. He draws a (taxpayer) paycheck, does more lucrative fundraising, updates his phone/address book, promises a few things under the table (especially to his Chicago transportation connections), networks up and down the East coast, etc. You get the idea. He would win a Primary for either office regardless of the competition.

Quinn should survive an election for Gov. against LaHood. The new senator -- not so much. After everything, only the die hard IL Democrats outside of Chicago would vote for a Chicago Democrat symbolizing more of the same.

ALISON, MPA
Philosophe Forum
Responsible Leadership Serving the Public Trust