Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta is joining Hill & Knowlton Inc. as vice chairman, the firm said July 10. Mineta had the longest tenure as secretary in Dept. of Transportation history, serving more than five years. Maria Cino, DOT’s number-two official, is now acting secretary. Hill & Knowlton, a major public relations firm, also has lobbying units. Mineta, the Bush Cabinet’s only Democrat, also was a 20-year House member.