Rahm Emanuel Tue Apr 19 2011

Mayor-Elect Announces Transportation Team

By Ramsin Canon

Mayor-Elect Emanuel announced his core team in charge of transportation, and it has some high-profile names. The release from the Emanuel camp:

Gabe Klein, Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner
Gabe Klein served as Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) under Mayor Adrian Fenty in Washington D.C. Klein's tenure at the DDOT coupled bold policy initiatives with improvements in existing infrastructure, including the expansion of Circulator bus lines, initiating the largest number of complex infrastructure projects in DDOT history, and launching the nation's largest bikesharing program. Klein came to DDOT with over 12 years' experience as an entrepreneurial executive, serving as regional vice president of Zipcar, the world's largest carsharing company, and as co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of On the Fly, an innovative company that designed and operated zero-emission electric vending trucks, helping spur the mobile food business model in the U.S. He also spent over 10 years in the bicycle business in executive roles. Klein received his Bachelor of Science in marketing management from Virginia Tech.

Forrest Claypool, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President

Forrest Claypool served two terms as Cook County Commissioner. As Commissioner, he spearheaded whistleblower legislation to help crack down on fraud, led the fight against waste and excessive taxes, and championed healthcare reforms that are making primary care more accessible to Cook County residents. Claypool is also a former Superintendent of the Chicago Park District. At the Park District, he successfully streamlined the budget, rooted out waste and abuse, lowered taxes and increased programs for families and kids across the city. During his long career in public service, Claypool has served as Illinois' Deputy State Treasurer, Deputy Commissioner of the Cook County Board of (Property Tax) Appeals, and as Chief of Staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley. Claypool graduated from Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois College of Law.

Terry Peterson, Chicago Transit Board Chair

Terry Peterson has served as the Chicago Transit Board Chair since 2009. During his tenure, he has been a consistent and effective advocate for CTA customers. He fought for federal and state funds to make the CTA more reliable and convenient for Chicagoans across the city. Peterson came to the Board with a long history of public service. Prior to his time on the Board, he served six years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). There, Peterson was responsible for executing CHA's Plan for Transformation, a 10-year program to overhaul the City's public housing system. Peterson previously represented the 17th Ward as Alderman, and was the Assistant Commissioner in the City's Department of Planning and Development. Currently, Peterson is also the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Rush University Medical Center. Peterson graduated from Chicago State University and received his MA in Public Administration from Roosevelt University.

The Active Transportation Alliance praised the choice of Gabe Klein:

"Klein has the ability to find money for big infrastructure projects," said Ron Burke, executive director for the Active Transportation Alliance. "Chicago needs innovative funding solutions for biking, walking and transit projects.

Active Trans expects Klein to bring a fresh perspective to CDOT through his experience as a businessman and entrepreneur in the transportation sector.

...and this from the Environmental Law and Policy Center:

These newly appointed leaders are experienced and creative. They can ensure that Chicago's transportation network moves forward on the right tracks. We look forward to working closely with them to seize opportunities for progress on high-speed rail development and public transit improvements pledged by Mayor-Elect Emanuel during his campaign.