La Voz

Naming a highway after someone is somewhat of an unusual practice and certainly shouldn't be used to commemorate prominent politicians.

However, recently California Assemblywoman Sally Lieber announced a proposal to rename most of the CA-85 freeway the "Norman Y. Mineta Highway" in order to commemorate Mineta for his achievements. All of the senators and representatives in the Santa Clara County have signed the resolution in order to recognize Mineta as the pride of San Jose. Never mind that he already has the Mineta San Jose International Airport; apparently, that isn't good enough. It takes a really spectacular man to receive such acclaim and respect.

Mineta political life started in 1967, where he was the mayor of San Jose for four years. During his term, he restricted the growth of San Jose by creating development free zones in East and South San Jose. After serving one term in San Jose, he then won a seat in the House of Representatives and held his position for the next twenty years.

Later on, he was the first Asian American to serve on a presidential cabinet under George W. Bush as the Secretary of Transportation from 2001 to 2006.

Many Asian Americans feel that his service and achievement has earned him the right to have a freeway to be named after him. This man already has an airport, along with a Mineta Transportation Institution in San Jose State University. To have a highway honored for if overkill for anybody, regardless of how important they may be.

If Silicon Valley wants to further his recognition, then they should do it in a way that's recognizable or at least practical. Perhaps putting a prominent statue of Mineta at San Jose International Airport, since it's already named after him. Plans for a proposed art museum by Ed Nelson, Director of Air Service Development, should be able to accommodate an exhibit with some plaques commemorating Mineta's past achievements, such as becoming the Mayor of San Jose, serving as a Senator from California for 20 years, and first Asian American to hold a cabinet position.

Yes, he is a pretty important man. However, tagging his name to a highway is pointless and won't stick because most people, along with maps, use the freeway number as a medium for directions. In any case, highways should be used to commemorate people who have more of a direct relation to the particular highway. One such example is CHP officer Scott M. Greenly, who was killed on the job by a drunk driver in 1998. A portion of highway 85 was named after him as a memorial to his memory, which is much more relevant and deserving. Mineta doesn't even live in Silicon Valley anymore, and hasn't for many years, so he wouldn't even be around to appreciate it.

If anything, the name Mineta would be better applied to what he helped create in the city of San Jose. If celebrating is what we are trying to achieve, then we don't need a highway do that.

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