President Obama Nominates Truck Industry Lobbyist

In June of 2009, President Obama nominated Anne Ferro to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Her record on automobile safety issues is mixed. While head of Maryland's motor vehicle agency from 1997 to 2003 she was involved in implementing a graduated licensing system for new drivers and an ignition interlock program for drunk drivers. On the other hand, from 2003 until her nomination, she was President of the Maryland affiliate of the American Trucking Association where she spent her time lobbying on behalf of the trucking Industry. Some say her time tenure with the American trucking Association was spent supporting the trucking industry's efforts to undermine policies and programs needed to protect the public from dangerous industry practices. Ms Ferro's nomination sparked a debate at the time over whether she was the right person for the job. Askthetrucker.com has done an excellent job of documenting the debate as it unfolded.

Ms. Ferro's confirmation hearings began on September 23, 2009. The process has reignited the controvesy. For example, a recent New York Times Editorial column was very critical of the appointment. For the most recent discussion, go to William Cassidy's post at the Journal of Commerce.