ELLEN ENDO/Rafu Shimpo
L.A. Department of Transportation executive James Okazaki receives a proclamation from Councilmember Jan Perry last Thursday at his retirement party at the New Otani Hotel in Little Tokyo.

The man, who was so dedicated to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s goals that he rode public transit to work each day, was congratulated last Thursday on his 34 years of service to the City.

Three former LADOT general managers were among the more than 300 who gathered at the New Otani Hotel to salute former deputy general manager James Okazaki on his retirement. Okazaki often laughed heartily during the good-natured ribbing, was humbled by the dozens of testimonials, and wept as he recalled the “Gambatte, James!” and other encouraging words he received when he left his native Wakayama as a young man. 

“You could always count on him to pursue an assignment with energy and enthusiasm,” said Ed Roe, who led the LADOT from 1988-93. 

Thomas Conner, LADOT general manager from 1997, joined representatives from Japanese American community organizations, City departments, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Office, and Councilwoman Jan Perry in praising Okazaki for his hard work and dedication.

No mention was made of the controversy that emerged last June when the transportation department veteran was unceremoniously dismissed from his senior management position by incoming LADOT general manager Gloria Jeff.

However, another ex-LADOT chief, Wayne Tanda, seemed to lay responsibility for Jeff’s actions at the doorstep of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Tanda, appointed in 2002 by Mayor James Hahn, resigned shortly after Villaraigosa’s election last year. Jeff was appointed last March after leaving her post as Michigan’s transportation chief shrouded in controversy.

Commenting on the large number of supporters at the dinner, Tanda commented, “James should run for mayor (of Los Angeles). In fact, if he were mayor, we both would still be working for the LADOT.” In an evening filled mostly with laughter, Tanda seemed to elicit the biggest laugh of all.

Other good wishes, gifts, and plaques came from the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, Little Tokyo Community Council, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Nisei Week Foundation, Japanese American National Museum, the City Attorney’s Office, the L.A. City Asian American Employees Association, and the City Council, and more.

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