Bay Area and national leaders reacted Tuesday to the passing of Norman Y. Mineta, former San Jose Mayor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He died of heart failure at age 90 at his home in Maryland.
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo: “San Jose has lost a great champion, and I have lost a deeply admired mentor. Norm Mineta gave me my start in public service as an 18-year-old intern in his Washington congressional office. Like so many of those fortunate to have worked with Norm, I learned enormously from his calm leadership style, his deadpan humor, and his sincere love for public service.
“Norm’s legacy is one steadfast defense of our civil liberties, and defense of our nation in the perilous hours of 9/11. Whenever Norm was asked about his incredible career, which took him to our nation’s highest offices, he never forgot where he was from: ‘My favorite title,’ he’d often tell people, ‘was always “Mr. Mayor.”
U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren: “One of the things that was remarkable about him, he was just a guy who would keep going. Obviously the imprisonment of his family was a terrible wrong, but it never interfered with his love of the United States and his commitment to public service.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom: “California and the nation lost an inspiring trailblazer and champion with the passing of Norman Mineta. A first-generation Japanese American, Secretary Mineta not only made our country safer following the 9/11 attacks, he brought us closer together through his vital work strengthening transit and highways.
“A native of San Jose, he overcame internment of his family during World War II to eventually become Mayor of his hometown and become the preeminent expert on a wide array of transportation issues. In 2006, Secretary Mineta was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Secretary Mineta truly embodied the California spirit.”
State Sen. Dave Cortese: “I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Norman Mineta, someone I was honored to call a friend and mentor. Secretary Mineta embodied what it means to be a public servant and was an inspiration to countless leaders, including myself. His legacy will leave a lasting impression for years to come.”
Former President Bill Clinton: “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Norm Mineta, an extraordinary public servant, American patriot, and good and honorable man. After spending part of his childhood in an internment camp, Norm spent a lifetime in public service working to make positive change and to ensure that our government would not wrong future generations as it had wronged his family.
From his time as councilman and mayor of San Jose, to his two decades in Congress, to his two Cabinet posts under Presidents of different parties, Norm made our union more perfect. He was a staunch defender of civil liberties and civil rights, an important voice for science and technology, and a champion of infrastructure and public transit.
I will always be proud to have nominated him as Secretary of Commerce, making him the first Asian American Cabinet member in our nation’s history. I’m grateful for his fine service and his friendship, and glad President George W. Bush kept him on, giving him the chance to again make history as America’s longest-serving Transportation Secretary.
Norm’s legacy will endure through all the people whose lives he touched and inspired with his service. Hillary and I send our thoughts and prayers to Deni, his children and grandchildren, and all the people who loved him.”
Former President George W. Bush: “As my Secretary of Transportation, he showed great leadership in helping prevent further attacks on and after 9/11. As I said when presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Norm has given his country a lifetime of service, and he’s given his fellow citizens an example of leadership, devotion to duty, and personal character.”
Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Chair Shirley Ann Higuchi: “Norman Mineta was our guiding light at the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation. He endured his unjust incarceration along with his family, but he never harbored bitterness toward the country that he would later serve with such distinction. I treasure every moment that I spent in his presence.”
John Aitken, director, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport: “He, perhaps, will be best remembered for his decisive actions as Secretary of Transportation that kept America safe on and after September 11, 2001. But his commitment to advancing America’s aviation infrastructure — and the people who make it work – –began well before that fateful day, and has continued since.
Just last year, Secretary Mineta spent his birthday on Zoom with a group of our Airport staff to discuss his experience as a first-generation Japanese American during World War II and how it shaped his commitment to a career in public service. Secretary Mineta often joked that he found it odd that his parents named him after an airport. The truth is, he inspired us with much more than just his name, and we are proud to be entrusted with his legacy.”
Les Francis, longtime friend and former chief of staff: “He was my political benefactor. Everything I’ve done, all the people I’ve met over the past 50 years, the original connection is Norm. He had very few detractors and lots of admirers. He was genuine. He was what he seemed to be.”
Shari Boxer Baker, former staff member: “As a legislative staff member to Norm Mineta, you were quickly instilled with his credo of accountability and accessibility. That was the standard with which he held himself to, and in turn, his staff. Integrity was paramount in our office culture. Norm Mineta was the best boss and mentor you could ever envision.”
Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations: “Secretary Mineta was a rare commodity in today’s divisive, politically charged environment. He was the essence of civility and integrity; a true leader. I’m honored to have had the privilege to work with him during the past two decades, including during his tenure as Secretary of Transportation. The example he set is something many in Washington today can and should try to replicate.
“Secretary Mineta achieved the highest of heights in his extraordinary career, yet never forgot who he was and how he got from there to here. When he told his story, you understood what it means to be an American.”
Source: www.mercurynews.com