Mortimer L. Downey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mort Downey
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| 6th United States Deputy Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office May 28, 1993 – January 20, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | James B. Busey IV |
| Succeeded by | Michael P. Jackson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mortimer Leo Downey III
August 9, 1936 Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | November 2, 2023 (aged 87) Oakton, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Joyce Vander Meyden
(m. 1961; died 2012) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | |
Mortimer Leo Downey III (born August 9, 1936 – died November 2, 2023) was an important American government official. He served as the Deputy Secretary of Transportation from 1993 to 2001. This made him the person who held that job for the longest time ever.
Downey was first chosen for this role when Bill Clinton became president. He even served as the temporary Secretary of Transportation for a few days in 2001. Before this, he also worked as a top leader for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). He also led the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for a time.
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Early Life and Education
Mortimer Leo Downey III was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. This was on August 9, 1936. He went to Phillips Academy, Yale University, and New York University. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He reached the rank of lieutenant commander.
A Career in Transportation
Downey first wanted to work in finance. But he found his true calling in transportation. He joined the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Here, he started focusing on mass transit, which means public transportation systems.
In 1975, he became the first transportation expert for the United States House Committee on the Budget. This committee helps manage the government's money. Later, during the Carter Administration, he worked in the Department of Transportation. He helped manage its budget and programs.
Leading the MTA
After his time with President Carter, Downey joined the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This was in 1981. He became a top leader there five years later. The MTA was having money problems. Downey worked hard to get more funding for it.
During his time, the MTA's budget grew by $3 billion. A New York Senator named Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said that Downey was very popular. He helped improve the subway system greatly.
Working for the President
In 1993, Downey joined President Clinton's team. He became the Deputy Transportation Secretary. He held this job for all eight years of Clinton's presidency. He helped create an important law called the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. This law helped fund many transportation projects.
After 2001, he became a transportation consultant. He also helped the team that prepared for President Obama to take office.
Helping Washington's Metro
In 2010, Downey joined the board of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. This system is often called the Metro. He was chosen to help the Metro improve. At the time, the system faced many challenges. These included fewer riders and old equipment.
He served as the Board Chair from 2015 to 2016. He worked to guide the Metro through these difficulties. He left the role after one year.
Downey was also a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. This group helps improve public service.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1961, Mort Downey married Joyce Vander Meyden. They had two children together. Joyce passed away in 2012.
Mort Downey passed away on November 2, 2023. He was 87 years old. He died from a lung condition called pulmonary fibrosis. This happened at a retirement home in Oakton, Virginia.
