State and Local Officials Voice Support for Nomination of Anthony Foxx

On Monday, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Charlotte, North Carolina Mayor Anthony Foxx as the next Transportation Secretary.

Following the announcement, state and local officials across the country spoke out about the nomination and voiced their support for their colleague.

Avondale, Arizona Mayor and President of the National League of Cities Marie Lopez Rogers

“I applaud President Obama’s nomination of Mayor Anthony Foxx to be the next Secretary of Transportation. The Mayor has done an excellent job implementing transportation projects and programs in his city to the benefit of all Charlotte residents and businesses. I’m confident that he will bring this same leadership and know-how to the nation’s capital and will be an excellent addition to the President’s cabinet."

Fresno, California Mayor Ashley Swearengin:

“I am so pleased that the President has chosen a fellow mayor and good friend as Secretary of Transportation. Anthony Foxx understands the key role transportation infrastructure plays in unlocking economic growth in our cities and our nation.  I look forward to working with Secretary Foxx on transportation issues of local, regional and national significance.”

Long Beach, California Mayor Bob Foster

“I applaud President Obama on his nomination of Mayor Foxx as Transportation Secretary.  Mayor Foxx and I serve on the U.S. Conference of Mayors leadership together and I know that he is an outstanding candidate.  Mayors bring a vital perspective to the national conversation whether it be about impacts to the daily commutes of constituents, job creation or the need to continually invest in the networks that ensure environmentally clean and efficient delivery of global consumer goods.”

Los Angeles, California Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

“From the Charlotte Streetcar Project to the expansion of the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Foxx's record is a perfect example of a mayor creating jobs, growing the economy, and making a city more livable for its residents.  I look forward to working with him to continue improving and expanding the transportation system in Los Angeles and in cities around the country.”

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy:

“As mayor of a major city, Anthony Foxx has first-hand experience understanding the vital role that a strong transportation infrastructure plays in the sustainable development, economic growth and enhanced quality of life for a community and its residents.  I look forward to working closely with him in this new role as we continue Connecticut’s aggressive efforts to modernize our transportation system and ensure that we have an infrastructure in place that encourages growth and job creation.”

Delaware Governor Jack Markell:

“I applaud President Obama’s bold choice in selecting Anthony Foxx, currently Mayor of Charlotte, NC, as the nominee for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mayor Foxx has demonstrated a commitment to infrastructure improvements to build economic and quality of life benefits for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County region.  Mayor Foxx shares my value of understanding that world-class infrastructure leads to building economic opportunities for individuals and businesses.”

Jacksonville, Florida Mayor Alvin Brown:

“This appointment is both well-earned and well-deserved for a leader who has exemplified quality public service throughout his career. Mayor Foxx embodies integrity, accountability and responsibility. His work has built confidence in government for the private sector, created stronger bridges with Washington and raised the bar for community leaders throughout the nation. Having worked with Mayor Foxx as part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, it is clear to me that he is a visionary with an ability to turn potential into reality. “

Tampa, Florida Mayor Bob Buckhorn:

“Mayor Foxx is a good friend and I could not be more pleased with President Obama’s decision to appoint him as our next Secretary of Transportation. As Mayor, he has made transportation a priority for Charlotte because he understands the important connection between mobility and economic development. He is conversant on transportation issues facing urban America and understands the challenges that local leaders face. Mayor Foxx represents the next generation of leadership and I look forward to working with him to expand and improve transit options here in Tampa.”

Atlanta, Georgia Mayor Kasim Reed:

“A committed public servant, Mayor Foxx worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure and foster manufacturing and economic development in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. I have no doubt that the federal Department of Transportation will benefit tremendously from his leadership and that it will continue to secure our nation’s economic future through vital infrastructure investments that create well-paying jobs and enhance our global competitiveness."

Chicago, Illinois Mayor Rahm Emanuel

“I can't think of a more qualified candidate to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation than Mayor Anthony Foxx. He has been a national leader in implementing critical infrastructure investments that drive job creation and a strong advocate for the critical transit projects that are vital to urban centers such as Chicago.  Secretary LaHood leaves big shoes to fill, and I have no doubt that Mayor Foxx will continue the President's legacy of rebuilding the foundations for America’s growth and our next great century."

Niagara Falls, New York Mayor Paul Dyster:

"I applaud President Obama on the selection of Mayor Anthony Foxx to be our next Transportation Secretary… Together we will work to further develop passenger rail as well as highway, air and waterway projects to improve access and mobility within this region, creating new jobs and helping to restore our regional and national economies."

Emerald Isle, North Carolina Mayor and North Carolina League of Municipalities President Art Schools

“We are very pleased and excited that President Obama has nominated a great mayor from one of our great North Carolina cities to take on this crucial job. He will work to solve the nation’s transportation challenges with the same drive and determination he gave Charlotte and the state as a whole.”

Durham, North Carolina Mayor William Bell:

“I believe the President has made an excellent choice, and hope that his nomination will proceed as expeditiously as possible through the nomination process. Anthony is very knowledgeable about the transportation challenges that our country faces in general, and specifically those challenges facing North Carolina.”

Raleigh, North Carolina Mayor Nancy McFarlane:

“I have had the opportunity to work with Mayor Foxx over the past few years on transportation issues facing North Carolina, not only as a fellow mayor but as part of the N.C. Metro Mayors Coalition.  He is well-informed and experienced in handling the transportation issues we are facing in the state, as well as knowledgeable and understanding of the broader transportation issues facing our country.”

Cincinnati, Ohio Mayor Mark Mallory:

“Mayor Foxx will make a great Secretary of Transportation.  I know Mayor Foxx well from my work with the US Conference of Mayors and I know that he will be a great partner for Cincinnati in Washington.  As Mayor of Charlotte, he knows the importance of quality transportation infrastructure to cities and understands how transportation projects lead to growth and new jobs.  I want to congratulate him; and I look forward to working with him.”

Easton, Pennsylvania Mayor Sal Panto:

“Mayor Foxx is an excellent choice to lead the all important Department of Transportation.  His local efforts have been commendable and he can now focus those efforts on the entire country. An efficient transportation system is needed for an effective economy and he gets it.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mayor and President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Michael Nutter:

“Mayor Foxx brings a wealth of experience to the table and I look forward to working with my friend and Secretary in the future. More importantly, the nation’s mayors stand ready to work with Mayor Foxx for the good of all of our local economies to ensure a sustained national recovery, develop creative ideas to fund infrastructure improvements and fully support his efforts to put Americans to work with good jobs.”

Laredo, Texas Mayor Raul Salinas:

“Mayor Foxx is a wonderful choice for Transportation.  I congratulate President Obama on his choice.  I have long enjoyed working with Mayor Foxx at the U.S. Conference of Mayors and I know that he will bring the same intellect, enthusiasm and experience to the U.S. Department of Transportation as he does in his duties at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and of course, as mayor of the great City of Charlotte, North Carolina.”

Seattle, Washington Mayor Mike McGinn:

“I congratulate Mayor Anthony Foxx on his nomination by President Obama to lead the United States Department of Transportation. Foxx understands the value of strong transit networks in our nation’s cities, both for purposes of mobility and economic vitality. That’s why we are working hard now to plan for the expansion of our rail transit network so that we will be ready for the next round of federal funding.”

Find out more about the President’s announcement and read the full remarks from the event.