Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Guest Speaker Derek Kilmer led the flag salute.

Guests

Caylee Jacobs, Emily Jacobs, Bethany Jacobs, Danielle Turissini, Lissy Andros, Jackson May, Damon Wood, Rick Erickson, Paul Martin, Reed Wendel, Ellen Frichette, et. al.

Audit Report

The committee audited and accepted Treasurer, Jon Fager’s Budget and Financial Report.

Membership Fees

Andrew May moved and Jack Glaubert seconded to keep fees at $70.00 per year. Motion carried.

Program

Andrew May introduced and welcomed home Representative Derek Kilmer. Derek reminisced about growing up in Port Angeles. He voiced his concern about the Congress, the County, and the raising of two children in today’s world. He presented three area of Security: Economic, National and Democratic.

The Economy is picking up and even though jobs are being created and unemployment is down, not everyone wanting work is being reached.

Changes in technology, automation and globalization mean the country has to be sure to help people to make ends meet.

‘Not Silver Bullet but Silver Buckshot.’  Infrastructure is important because freeways and bridges are not keeping up with need. He hopes the Federal Government will help with the replacement of the Elwha River Bridge.

Water, such as storm water and green water show a need for communities to partner with those who cannot pay for them.  Treatments systems are not working as needed or wanted.

He hopes he can help, with the Port and TSA to get air services to Port Angeles.

In the area of skills and education, the expansion of apprenticeships and mentors are needed.  Student debt has exceeded credit debt.  Pell Grants should be year round. Federal Work / Study programs, with an incentive to follow, would help.

There are too many barriers for armed service personnel returning to civilian life. Medicare and Social Security should be maintained for future retirees.

Natural resources such as fisheries and timber should be given disaster funding. Timber should not be “fire” borrowing.

National Security:

Global terror, ISIS, FBI Counter-Intelligence, and Cyber Security need to be funded.  Investment needs to be made in training and equipping troops. The Budget Appropriation needs to be passed. “No budget, no pay.” Too much money is spent on politics, which means the average American is having to pay for it.  Disclosure to donors to political parties should be named. The Federal Election Commission, which was set up after Watergate, is doing nothing.

“Success is not just making the other party look stupid!”

Q & A

Q:  Why so hard to accept compromise?

A:  Too many in Congress work against not with their colleagues. Americans are better than their politics. “Don’t agonize, organize.”

** Andrew May moved and Cherie Kidd seconded to extend the meeting to 8:45am. Motion carried. **

Q:  Debt problem?

A:  Drag on growth and future generations. Need for compromise even though some don’t want to. Can’t tax our way out of it. Fix the debt.

Q:  What can be done to motivate local interest and involvement?

A:  Show up at meetings. Write your Representatives. Take interest on local issues even if outside your political area. Take care of yourself, your family, local businesses and veterans.

Q:  Priorities?

A:  Appropriations, Interior, Environment and Commerce. Locally on job, laminated cross timber, fisheries and military.

Q:  Obama Care?

A:  Likes part of pre-existing conditions and young living with their parent. Has concerns about cost to businesses, especially small businesses and to rural communities. Focus on need and compensations, as needed.  Cover nurse practitioners.

Q:  Disconnect with youth?

A:  Look at duplication and inefficiencies and force Congress to act on recommendations. Debt is forcing kids to move back in with parents. Savings are too low.

Upcoming Meeting

December 27, 2016 & January 3, 2017:  No PABA Meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45am.