Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Gil Kerlikowske appointment as nation�s top drug officer

For Immediate Release: March 11, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement on Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske�s nomination for director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy:

�I am proud that President Obama has selected Chief Kerlikowske to lead our nation�s fight against illegal drugs. Chief Kerlikowske has shown immense leadership in our state�s largest city, and is well-respected not only in the Northwest, but across the nation.

�I wish Chief Kerlikowske only the best. He has a tremendous challenge on his hands, but one I am confident he can tackle. Chief Kerlikowske�s local efforts to develop community-based crime prevention strategies, as well as tough drug policy reforms, provide him with unique qualifications to be a strong leader in our nation�s capital and a tough commander in the war on drugs. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity, and am proud to have another Northwest voice in the other Washington.�