Comments on: Where is Obama’s OSTP?

By: docpine

docpine — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:52:54 +0000

I actually worked at OSTP (as an agency rep) in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB formerly known as OEOB). About four of us had desks in what was probably one old office with a bricked up fireplace and a view of 17th street.

SO in my personal view, it is always better to be in a beautiful building, where I would walk across the fossils in the floor, or go over to the renovated Indian Treaty Room, than to be in the relatively soulless NEOB (home of OMB). That being said, proximity to the White House or “design to encourage collaboration” is relatively trivial. For heaven’s sake, in most of the world if you want to collaborate with someone you can walk over and talk to them! But that’s my opinion. Humans are not androids and there is no accounting for the beauty of being in a historic building to me. Nevertheless, I don’t think you can judge the importance of something by whether it’s in EEOB, NEOB or Jackson Place.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:30:15 +0000

Having a Presidential Science Adviser inherently ostracizes science. It is as if there is one set of advice the President can get from experts and then there’s the science advice he can get. Shouldn’t science be integrated already into all the policy advice he gets. Why separate it?

That being said, there’s certainly an important role for OSTP as the office that prioritizes and coordinates science policy and funding across the federal enterprise. That role can be carried out in the OEOB or 100 yards up 17th street. It really doesn’t matter. I would have to agree with Marburger – the new building is much nicer than the Eisenhower.

By: Paul Biggs

Paul Biggs — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:32:33 +0000

“Holdren has not yet been confirmed as OSTP Director” – a faint glimmer of hope that someone with less extreme views might get the job.

By: David Bruggeman

David Bruggeman — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:17:06 +0000

As best as I can tell, Holdren has not yet been confirmed as OSTP Director. As his position as science adviser does not require Senate confirmation, the workspace in Eisenhower could be a holding spot until he can move into the OSTP offices. The OSTP website still lists the 17th Street address, and Ted Wackler as Acting Director.