Derek Kilmer

Two years ago, you sent me to Congress. It’s safe to say, it’s a fixer-upper.

Remember the government shutdown? I opposed it. It furloughed workers and cost our economy billions. During that shutdown, I returned my own salary. It wasn’t fair for me to get paid while shipyard workers and park rangers didn’t.

Leading by example is the only way to clean up the mess in Congress.

I learned those values in Clallam County, where I grew up. I saw firsthand the economic challenges facing our region. Seeing the challenges facing our community motivated me to pursue a career in economic development – to grow good jobs. That’s the same reason I ran for office.

I don’t want our region’s top export to be our kids.

Having spent a decade working professionally in economic development, I know we need a nation where middle-class families and small businesses can succeed. Government should roll out the red carpet for employers – not throw up red-tape. That’s why I co-sponsored the Paperwork Reduction Act.

With input from folks in our area, I introduced an Olympic Peninsula Economic Development Initiative aimed at addressing some of Clallam County’s unique challenges. As part of that plan we created a collaborative effort that brings together conservation groups and the timber industry with the goal of responsibly increasing timber harvests. We can create jobs while protecting the environment.

The Initiative includes a bipartisan proposal to enhance rural broadband and provide incentives to bring manufacturing jobs into rural areas. We need to make things in America again.

As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee I’ve pushed for legislation to strengthen our national labs like PNNL in Sequim. I’ve worked to protect Puget Sound, address the impacts of climate change on our coasts, and combat threats to our shellfish growers and fisheries.

As the son of two teachers, and the father of two little girls I know education is critical. To grow quality jobs we need to have strong schools and keep college affordable. I’ve introduced legislation to improve training opportunities for workers and help veterans enter the civilian workforce.

Our nation has an obligation to ensure seniors can retire and live with dignity. I’ll always fight to protect Social Security and Medicare so seniors like my 104-year-old grandmother can continue to count on the benefits they’ve earned. That’s critical to the health and prosperity of communities like Sequim.

We need to get folks back to work. We need to get Congress working again too.

Congress should pass budgets – just like our families. I’ve proposed No Budget, No Pay legislation, which says that if Congress doesn’t do its job then members of Congress shouldn’t get paid.

I’m a member of the Bipartisan Working Group, made up of Republicans and Democrats who agree to set aside the partisan bickering and focus on progress.

Everyone in our region deserves a brighter future. I’m not done fighting. I ask for your vote this November so we can build on our accomplishments.

Marty McClendon

(McClendon declined to submit a candidate statement.)