Anthony Foxx finds footing in Washington

by DAVE WAGNER / NBC Charlotte Staff

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WCNC.com

Posted on July 30, 2013 at 5:08 AM

Updated today at 5:28 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- If running an agency with 55,0000 employees and a $70 billion budget is overwhelming, you would never know it from the casual, upbeat entrance of Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.

"I've heard people say 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.'? You know, there's only so much you can do in one day," said Foxx during an interview with NBC Charlotte at DOT headquarters in Washington.

Secretary Foxx's first week on the job began with a deadly plane crash in San Francisco.

"I was in Target buying shower curtains for my kids and I got the call and rushed here to the crisis management center and from there continued to follow details of the incident."

The pull of this job is enormous, especially tough when those you love the most have yet to make the move to DC.? Foxx's wife, Samara, and his two kids will join him later this summer.? Foxx spoke about the demands of his job.?

"In some ways this role will be more taxing in terms of the day and travel and the work that goes on behind the scenes to make things happen in this department and elsewhere. But in other respects, there are other responsibilities I don't have that I had as mayor. There are parades that I don't have to attend and dinners that I don't have to go to."

With few hours for fun, it is almost cruel that the Washington Nationals' ballpark is next door to DOT Headquarters.? But there are perks.?

Proximity to the President is a given as a cabinet secretary and, for the first time recently, Foxx traveled onboard Air Force One.

"It was an opportunity to spend some quality time with the President and talking about some of the infrastructure issues that are so important to both of us."

Those issues include navigating the congested? DC streets. "I'm reminded every day how easy Charlotte is to get around,." Said Foxx.

For this Charlotte native, it is clear, Carolina is never far from his heart or his mind.? But Secretary Foxx plays it coy when it comes to his future.?

When asked about speculation that he might run for governor in 2016, he simply smiled and responded,? "Oh, you know, I love North Carolina."
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Source: http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/Anthony-Foxx-finds-footing-in-Washington-217556871.html

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