A choice for drug czar

By David Stout

"R. Gil Kerlikowske, the chief of the Seattle Police Department, was chosen Wednesday to be the White House drug czar, signaling a shift in emphasis from arrest and prosecution to intervention and treatment."

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

"If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Kerlikowske, 59, would become the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, as the drug czar is formally known..."

Full article available at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/us/politics/12pdrugczar.html?_r=1&ref=...