By Michael Dresser and Paul West , michael.dresser@baltsun.com and paul.west@baltsun.com|April 11, 2009
President Barack Obama turned to Maryland for another high-level appointment Friday as the White House announced that he intends to name Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari to the No. 2 position in the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In choosing Porcari, Obama has selected one of the few state transportation secretaries whose portfolio includes all the major modes of travel - highways, aviation, mass transit, maritime commerce and rail freight. If he clears the required background checks and is confirmed by the Senate, Porcari would serve as deputy to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a former Illinois congressman and a Republican.
Porcari, 50, would become the second member of Gov. Martin O'Malley's Cabinet to be chosen for a key position in the Obama administration. The president earlier nominated Thomas E. Perez, Maryland's secretary of labor, licensing and regulation, to head the Justice Department's civil rights division. Obama also selected Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein as principal deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
Porcari would bring with him a thorough knowledge of the transportation issues that affect Maryland and the region, and a reputation for addressing environmental concerns associated with large-scale projects.
"Just like Obama and LaHood are not going to ignore the needs of Illinois, John wouldn't ignore the needs of Maryland, the greater Washington D.C. area and the East," said John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
"He will be aware of what is needed here," Horsley said, adding that Porcari would assuredly serve as an honest broker in the competition for scarce resources.
Porcari also has grappled with funding shortfalls - a pressing issue at both the federal and state levels.
In recent months he has had to make a stream of unpleasant choices as the state's transportation revenues have dried up as a result of the national economic downturn. More recently, he has received national attention for his efforts to put federal stimulus money to use quickly by emphasizing small, ready-to-go maintenance projects.
Horsley described Porcari as "very thoughtful but tough" and said the Marylander would fill the role of chief operating officer of the department, which has a $70 billion budget and 60,000 employees.
O'Malley released a statement congratulating Porcari on his nomination.
