Bloom, Kilmer say economy top issue in 6th Congressional District race

Both candidates for Washington’s 6th Congressional District seat say they are focused on improving the Olympic Peninsula’s and the country’s economy, and both have very different ideas on how to do so.

“We need an economy that works for everybody,” said Gig Harbor Democratic incumbent Derek Kilmer. “I don’t want our top export to be our young people.”

Kilmer’s challenger, Tacoma Republican Todd Bloom, said, “The economy needs to be improved. Even the good stats aren’t good.”

Bloom says the current administration is claiming the economy nationwide is improving, but says the numbers tell a different story.

“The 2015 Census just came out, and the president seemed pleased with the increase in median household income. But that increase only got us back to where we were years ago,” he said.” And when you look at the labor force participation rate (the number of people currently employed or actively looking for work) it’s only 62.7 percent as of July. It’s been depressed quite a bit from historic highs. There are young people in the prime of their working lives, college graduates, sitting out of the labor force.”

As for improving the economy, Kilmer looks to a bipartisan approach, investment in education and a spirit of compromise among all parties involved.

“I’m focused on working with small business and have sponsored legislation to make it tougher to offshore jobs,” said Kilmer. “That goes for schools and a skilled workforce; I’ve consistently supported funding for public schools and programs promoting veterans entering the workforce.”

As an example of his collaborative approach he points to his Olympic Forest Collaborative.

“It’s a coalition of folks from timber, conservation and communities that is working to identify ways to increase timber harvest in a responsible way,” Kilmer said. “We have to get past the battles of the past and do something that will move our economy and communities forward.”

Kilmer is also a member of Congress’ Bipartisan Working Group, “who meet every week to find common ground and make some progress on the part of our country. Because of that the (Washington) Post listed me as one of the five most effective Democrats in Congress.”

Bloom says “My perspective is we need to lighten up regulations. We are regulating businesses out of business.”

Along with over regulation, he believes backing off corporate taxes will help turn the economy around.

“In my opinion I think we can stimulate the economy if we cut corporate tax rates,” he said. “We need fiscal stimulus, not redistribution, to help the 6th District and the entire nation.”

Bloom sites existing infrastructure as an example.

“We have rail, highways and a capable work force; everything that should attract business,” he said. “Look at the ports in California, New York, New Jersey, the Port of Houston. Those ports are getting business, and we should be more competitive. Sure, there is a lot of business at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, but we have Long Beach, Westport and a lot of additional facilities around the area that should see more business activity.”

Kilmer has a background in economic development; Bloom has worked as a financial analyst. Both claim their private sector experience uniquely qualifies them for developing the best approach to improving the economy.

Both candidates are staunch supporters of those who have served in the military, and Bloom is a veteran himself.

“I’ve dealt with the kinds of issues our veterans deal with every day,” Bloom said. “I’ve been deployed to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Africa, so I’ve seen what they’ve seen.”

Bloom also says his experience in both civilian and military budget processes and financial analysis would serve him well in D.C.

Kilmer himself is known as somebody who cares about the nation’s veterans. The American Veterans organization recently awarded him their Silver Helmet honor, bestowed upon one member of Congress annually for their work for veterans. In the end, Kilmer says “the most important thing is to try to get this economy working forward. I worked a decade in economic development and have taken that experience to this job. I’m trying to grow economic opportunities in the region and trying to fix quite frankly what is a very broken political system.”

Bloom is new to politics, but says “I’m not a beginner here.” He has a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College to go along with his experience in military and private sector budgeting “so I won’t have to learn on the job. Look at my background; that’s what I bring. The next Orlando, the bombs in New York, these highlight the vulnerability of our nation.”

He cites the work of Rep. Tammy Duckworth from Illinois, who is a veteran, multiple-amputee and Purple Heart recipient.

“I think that perspective needs more voices in our district,” said Bloom.