White House Wants to Boost Manufacturing Jobs, Czar Says

Detroit News (10/15, Shepardson) – The nation's new manufacturing czar said Wednesday the Obama administration is likely to unveil efforts to boost factory jobs in the coming months.  Ron Bloom, named by President Barack Obama on Sept. 7 as senior counselor for manufacturing policy, has kept a low profile. During an hourlong session Wednesday with congressional aides and members of the House Manufacturing Caucus, Bloom said it isn't clear if the administration will announce a broad new manufacturing policy, but said he is looking for projects.

Manufacturers and their supporters must be prepared for trade-offs and "recognize that if you are for something, you need to be not for something else. "The only interesting questions in life are, what are you prepared to give up to get what you want. Life is about trade-offs."  He noted that the Obama administration is making a big push in the auto sector on green jobs.

Bloom acknowledged he is essentially a "one-man band."  "We don't really have a big staff. Basically you are looking at it," he said, pointing to an aide.  Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, said the administration "needs a comprehensive vision for building manufacturing in this country again." … Bloom said he does not plan to focus on trade in his role -- a longstanding grievance by manufacturers. "I was not hired to be a shadow U.S (trade representative)," Bloom said.