I first met Norman Y. Mineta …

… back in 1985. I was the media guy for the National Air Transportation Association. Then-U.S. Representative Mineta was midway into a 20-year career representing the district around San Jose, CA, which subsequently named its international airport for him. Mineta was the key draw for NATA’s annual convention that year.  Upon first meeting Mineta – and in subsequent meetings – one is first struck by his demeanor. He’s calm; measured; a gentleman. Such traits perhaps account for much of his success in forming coalitions, getting legislation passed, and advancing the cause of aviation. For the latter he is much credited. While talking this week with Eric Byer, VP of government affairs for NATA, he summed up the feeling of many regarding Mineta, who retired on Friday as the Secretary of Transportation: “We’re losing a great guy. He knew every mode [of transport] … upside and down.†Byer relates that Mineta’s D.C. office was situated in such a way that he could see rail, highways, and the airport – all forms of transportation which he oversaw. Fitting. He’s a Democrat who became the longest serving DOT Secretary in history, for a Republican Administration. He got stuck with creating the Transportation Security Administration, and at times seemed to be the only voice of reason as TSA scrambled to find its roots. And, if there’s one individual that we can point to today who is responsible for not allowing racial profiling at U.S. airport checkpoints, it’s Norm Mineta. As a Japanese-American, he never forgot his family’s internment during World War II. He was determined not to allow others to suffer similar indignities. We could use a few more Norm Minetas in Washington. We wish him safe travels on his road ahead.  Thanks for reading. jfi