State reps open Gig Harbor office

State Reps. Pat Lantz (D-Gig Harbor) and Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) are back in the 26th District after a fast-paced session in Olympia and have set up a local office in Gig Harbor for use as a meeting space for concerned district citizens.

The two state representatives decided to open the district office to provide a local headquarters where constituents can meet with them face to face. Lantz and Kilmer’s full-time legislative assistants will staff the office Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Rep. Pat Lantz and I will be having an open house to welcome the public to our new digs,” Kilmer said. “Come on by on Monday, June 13, from 4 to 7 p.m.”

The office is located in Gig Harbor at 3208 50th St. Ct., Building C, Suite 105. 

Though the Legislative session is technically over, Kilmer has been busy researching what more he can do next session while serving on the House Transportation Committee.

“I (recently) joined Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald for a tour of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge construction project,” Kilmer shared. “I shared with all involved my concerns regarding the inequities regarding our state’s approach to tolling.

“Despite those concerns,” he said, “it was great to see the progress that all of the workers have made on this project. There’s no doubt that the bridge is an engineering marvel, and I shared my gratitude with the workers for their efforts.”

Kilmer also recently met with constituents in Southworth to discuss the potential passenger-only ferry service. He was also appointed to a new committee.

“(Last week), I (attended) my first meeting of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy (JLOCTP),” Kilmer said. “The committee monitors the impact of trade agreements on Washington State laws and provides a mechanism for legislators and others to voice their opinions about the potential impacts of trade agreements. 

“I was honored to be appointed to this committee,” he added. “Our state’s economy relies tremendously on international trade, which is partially governed by trade agreements and international organizations. I believe that our investments in sound trade policy are critical. I’m looking forward to participating on this committee.”

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