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December 29, 1992

Jack Rosenthal
Editorial Page Editor
New York Times

229 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036

To the Editor:

Of the 25 or so appointments made by Bill Clinton before Christmas, one of the
least noticed is among the most historic: nomination of John Gibbons as
Assistant to the President for Science & Technology, or Presidential Science
Advisor.

Presidents have always recognized the need for lawyers, diplomats, economists,
soldiers, and other professionals in their inner circle. As science and
technology have transformed our world, the need for science advice at the
highest level of government has also become urgent.

The post of Presidential Science Advisor was created by President Truman early
in 1951 after the outbreak of the Korean War, and it was greatly strengthened
by President Eisenhower in 1957, immediately after Sputnik.

We hope the Senate will quickly confirm Dr, Gibbons’ appointment, so he can
get on with the critical job of helping recruit the approximately 75 other
scientists and engineers to fill positions requiring Presidential appointment and
Senate confirmation, the government’s technical leadership.

We applaud the early designation of the Science Advisor and hope it sets a
' precedent, one to be noted by the Secretary of State, other heads of state, and

>, U 5 by the governors of our own states, all of whom need science and technology
Weyl advice as well.
William T. Golden Joshua Lederberg

Co-Chair Co-Chair