Mayor Patty Gilbert is running unopposed for a third two-year term leading Wrangell, bringing 16 years of public service experience to an ambitious agenda focused on modernizing aging underground utilities, fostering economic growth and preparing a new generation of leaders.

Gilbert, 78, previously served six years on the then city council and six years on the borough assembly before stepping into the mayor’s office four years ago. A former educator, she spent 23 years teaching math, physics and chemistry in Wrangell schools.

“My approach is when there’s a problem, you face it head-on, no matter how difficult it is,” she said. “I have always lived by the motto that every problem has a solution. Sometimes you have to get very inventive, but there is always a way to do something that is economical, effective and gets the job done.”

A central priority for her remains aging infrastructure, particularly failing underground water and sewer lines that break too often. Her guiding policy has been tackling at least “one road a year,” completely rebuilding underground utilities before repaving streets and repairing sidewalks.

Next year, she wants the borough to tackle three streets simultaneously — First, Third and Mission — to resolve severe drainage issues. She said the plan is to coordinate the project with contractors who will be in town to resurface the ferry terminal parking lot, maximizing efficiency and resources.

Beyond road repairs, the borough has completed some street and sidewalk rehabilitations, public stair replacements and generator upgrades at the power plant. Repairs to the Public Safety Building and school building roofs are next on the work list.

Economic diversity also anchors her platform. She advocates supporting established merchants, recruiting new enterprise, creating steady employment and investing municipal funds safely to generate interest on bond and grant proceeds.

Gilbert pointed to livestreamed assembly meetings as proof the administration has expanded public transparency, along with redesigned online resources and regular updates from Borough Manager Mason Villarma.

“We have a skilled and dedicated municipal workforce,” she said. “They are problem solvers who know our historical systems inside and out. Department directors and our assembly are forward-thinking and firing on all cylinders.”

Looking ahead, Gilbert wants to ensure the town’s future is guided by the people who grew up here. She regularly encourages younger residents — including many former students who now run businesses and raise families in town — to step into civic roles on the assembly, the port commission and the planning and zoning commission.

“We have an interest in turning things over to the younger generation,” she said. “I want them to be able to stay here, have good jobs and preserve the quality of life we all love.”