ROLL CALL: Know your JOHN LUIGI MICA Staffers -- Ex-lobbyist JIM COON

Jim Coon, chief of staff, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, minority
Age: 49
Birthplace: Vallejo, Calif.
Education: B.A., Virginia Tech

Jim Coon joined the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as majority staff director of the Subcommittee on Aviation in 2004, after working as a lobbyist for the Air Transport Association and Boeing.

Before joining the ATA, where he worked for five years, he spent more than a decade on the Hill, including time as legislative director for Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.) and as a staffer on the Aviation Subcommittee.

Coon became minority staff director of the full T&I committee in 2007 under Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), where he manages 30 people and is responsible for developing the Republicans’ overall strategy and position on legislative matters.

Coon’s main focus this year has been on the reauthorization of the highway bill. And he says his downtown background has helped him in dealing with lobbyists.

“I certainly take their advice and expertise into consideration in developing overall strategy in how we are approaching things,” Coon said.

Coon’s measured approach is appreciated by K Streeters, who say his even-keeled nature is a bonus when dealing with the panel.

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