Congressman Derek Kilmer drew a full house on Feb. 18 at a town hall meeting where residents both heard from and pitched a variety of questions to their U.S. representative.
Some inquiries had a more global scope, such as asking Kilmer’s opinion on President Barack Obama’s trade agreement the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership or questions surrounding the country’s economic stability, but many questions focused on local issues.
Multiple residents raised concern with the amount of flyovers by EA-18G Growler aircraft from the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the associated noise.
“Increase in Growler usage falls under the National Environmental Policy Act and for good or for bad there is not a step under the National Environmental Policy Act that says, ‘go get approval from the local member of Congress,’” Kilmer said. “I would argue that is probably for the good because the idea is to pull politics out of our permitting processes.”
Instead Kilmer described his role in the Navy’s plans on the Olympic Peninsula, including the use of Growlers, is to “ensure the fidelity” of the permitting process, as well as ensure citizens’ concerns are heard and evaluated by the agencies with purview over the permitting process.
Secondly, Kilmer said, he’s involved with making sure the processes that oversee the use of Growlers are science-based.
“That’s why we’ve tried to engage agencies like FICAN (Federal Interagency Committee on Aviation Noise) to actually bring some data to this conversation,” he said.
Officials with FICAN have been asked to work with the National Park Service and Department of Defense on noise monitoring to better understand potential impacts, he said.
Another concern raised by several residents focused on a plan to build a 150-foot radio and cellphone tower off Brigadoon Road, just north of Sequim. Whether the project moves forward depends on the approval of a Conditional Use Permit via Clallam County. The county hearing examiner must make a decision no later than Monday, Feb. 29, according to the county online permit system.
Having followed development of the proposed radio and cellphone tower through local news outlets, Kilmer said he “understand(s) that there’s a local process underway.” Beyond noting his awareness of the project, however, he simply encouraged those concerned to reach out to him with information illuminating their thoughts.
Takeaways
Prior to addressing localized questions, Kilmer devoted nearly 40 minutes to discuss countrywide challenges and avenues to improve the overall functionality of the government.
The following are some of the areas highlighted by Kilmer and issues he’s working on:
• “Good news” is economic indicators are heading in the right direction with 71 straight months of economic growth. Improvement in the amount of unemployment and more help wanted signs are being seen.
• “Bad news” is the growth is not being fueled. Wages are either “flat or declining” with the exception of the very well off and that’s a challenge because more middle class families are feeling “the squeeze.”
• Home ownership is down and student debt has surpassed credit card debt. Average college debt is $29,000.
• There’s a lot “uncertainty” surrounding issues like national security and interests rates, making it harder for people to feel comfortable with where the economy is heading.
• Education is important for creating an economy that works for everybody. Infrastructure is important for jobs and opportunities.
• Addressing stormwater is both important from an environmental and economic standpoint because often times failure to address stormwater issues can impede economic development.
• A growing need to increase jobs on the Olympic Peninsula by focusing on natural resources like “innovative wood products.”
• There’s been a “steady decline in federal investment in research and development” — this should be an area of focus in order to stay competitive as a nation and some of that research should focus on some of the “big hairy issues” like cyber security, climate change and ocean acidification.
• Small businesses often are referred to as the “backbone” of the local economy and that’s “certainly true” in Washington’s 6th Congressional district.
• Olympic National Park and National Park system at large is vital to tourism.
• There’s been some “misuse” of H1B visas (visas provided to foreign workers to come and work in the U.S.). Need to focus on keeping jobs in U.S.
• Co-sponsored “a number of bills” to ensure Medicare and Social Security are strong for current and future retirees.
• Too much focus on partisan bickering and campaign finance system is “broken.”
Election year
Kilmer was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and reelected in 2014. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are considered for reelection every even year. The deadline for candidates to file is May 20, with the Primary Election held Aug. 2 and General Election Nov. 8.
For more information or to contact Kilmer, visit www.kilmer.house.gov.
