Connaughton pick as Transportation secretary is a good one
According to the Washington Post, Governor-elect Bob McDonnell will appoint former Prince William County Chairman, former U.S. Maritime Administration Chairman, and former candidate for lieutenant governor Sean Connaughton as the next Secretary of Transportation.
The announcement is expected to be made today at noon during a Richmond press conference.
The Post reports that current Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, tapped to be the state’s chief jobs officer, and Connaughton’s rival for the 2005 GOP nomination is fine with the appointment. (Why wouldn’t he be?)
However, while some are praising the appointment, Greg L is skeptical:
The only other thing Connaughton is known for in Virginia is growing government in Prince William County. I’m hoping it’s his significant and noteworthy maritime experience that’s recommending him for this post, and not his experience in budgeting in Virginia’s second-largest locality.
Personally, I think Connaughton’s maritime experience IS a net positive for Virginia. With our port continuing to grow – as well as its transportation needs – Connaughton brings the breadth of knowledge on maritime issues, as well as his experience with the Northern Virginia tangle of roads, to the job.
I look forward to seeing the transportation solutions from Secretary-designate Connaughton.
Category: Government
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Sean is a capable leader who will offer candid advice and reality based recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. Surely a team player, those of us who know the condition of our transportation network, and its negative impact upon the state’s propserity, will applaud this appointment no matter which side of the aisle you sit.
My issue with Connaughton is that with over 90% of Virginia’s interstate money already going to NoVa, does Hampton Roads want the former Prince William County Chairman as Secretary of Transportation? Are we hauling up the white flag?
That said, being from NoVa he’ll grasp the seriousness of our Transportation problems and realize we can’t simply asphalt our way out of them.