Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Kerlikowske selected as ONDCP director

It's official . . . Seattle Chief of Police Gil Kerlikowske was chosen today to be new Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Here is a link to a New York Times article about the announcement.

I created a link to that article in particular because it contains the following statements:

The selection of Mr. Kerlikowske, which had been expected, was announced by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who said Mr. Kerlikowske understands that “combating drugs requires a comprehensive approach that includes enforcement, prevention and treatment.”

The nominee said that illicit drug use is “an incredibly complex problem,” requiring cooperation among prosecutors, treatment providers and others. “I am absolutely committed to this task,” he said.

Knowing that we have an incoming ONDCP director who recognizes that prevention works and that there is a need for cooperation among all organizations and individuals concerned with drug-related issues, I have some hope that we may gain support for what coalition's are doing to reduce youth substance abuse problems in our communities.

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