Leaving DoT for Parts Unknown

After nearly two decades working mostly for the government (excepting a stint at Lockheed Martin, where now-Secretary Mineta also worked), the #2 man at the DoT is packing his bags.

Michael Jackson, first hired into the Education Department in 1985 by now-FAA-Administrator Marion Blakey, says the pressures of the job are more than he likes at this stage. He's formally leaving August 1.

Though things were pretty bad after September 11, reports say, Jackson is really burning midnight oil lately, since DoT Secretary Mineta has had long periods of hospitalization and rehab since his back surgery.

Jackson is credited with [or deserves much of the blame for] setting up the TSA, working out the details of the bomb-detecting machines, and hiring about a zillion screeners.

Although one report says Jackson is returning to the private sector, the same report quotes a DoT spokesman as being sketchy on his actual plans. Dr. Jackson (Ph.D. in government from Georgetown), his wife, and 8-year-old daughter will spend some quality time together, before he starts his next job. [After all the ruckus since September 11, he probably has plenty of comp time coming!]

FMI: www.dot.gov