Jamieson retires after 32 years

When Christie Jamieson began her career with the City of Wrangell in 1980, the island was abuzz with activity. A mill operation was the lifeblood of the local economy, and city hall could be a very busy place.

Jamieson will retire from her position as Borough Clerk on June 29, completing a tenure that lasted 32 years and saw her rise from an entry level receptionist position to her current slot at the top of the borough’s organizational chart.

As a clerk for the city beginning in 1997, and later for the borough in 2008, Jamieson said she has enjoyed her time with local government – and remembers where it all started for her.

“In 1980, the year I began as a receptionist and cashier for the finance department, which is really rock bottom, Wrangell was a very busy place,” Jamieson said. “We had the mill running, people were employed, and there was always activity at city hall. It was a lot of fun for me because I’m a people person and got to greet everyone.”

The next steps in Jamieson’s ladder came as an accounts clerk and bookkeeper for the city.

“I did that for a few years before becoming the deputy clerk,” Jamieson added. “And it was on June 1, 1997 that I became the city clerk for Wrangell.”

Jamieson said, at the time, she hadn’t decided if she wanted the job – but was convinced to take it by her supervisor and mentor at city hall.

“I wasn’t too sure I wanted to be the city clerk,” Jamieson said. “Our previous clerk was Franette Vincent and she really talked me into taking the job. I thought, ‘what the heck’ and I went for it.”

In May 2008, Jamieson was elevated to borough clerk.

As her retirement date approaches, Jamieson said she has been weighing the differences between the government of 1980 and 2012 in Wrangell.

“I remember how active we were until the mill shutdown,” she said. “I also recall how it was life changing for citizens to have to relocate off the island, or start a new career, or even go back to school. It was a scary, topsy-turvy time back then.”

Jamieson said she sees a revitalization happening in the community, however, and that it hearkens back to a more economically sound time in Wrangell.

“We survived those times and now we’re back to growth and being so busy here in Wrangell,” Jamieson said. “We have obtained over $12 million in capital projects this year that Governor Parnell approved. We are a thriving and successful community now, where a lot of others in Alaska are not.”

Borough Manager Tim Rooney said he relied on Jamieson when he was hired – and that she will be missed.

“My position with Wrangell is my first as a city manager and Christie was very helpful in acclimating me with the position and community,” Rooney said. “She is an incredible asset and great resource for information. She has a lot of historical knowledge and it’s going to be very difficult to replace her.”

Even though her retirement begins in earnest on June 30, Jamieson said she is going to rest a bit – but isn’t even thinking about slowing down.

“First of all, I am going to take the summer off,” she said. “I have not had a summer off since I started working as a babysitter at 12-years old. I’ve worked ever since in jobs like the cannery, clothing shops, bartending, and then city hall.”

After a brief summer respite, Jamieson said she has a list of possibilities she wants to explore.

“I’m looking into the State Legislature, and also very interested in becoming a clerk consultant within the State of Alaska,” Jamieson said. “If I do that, it would involve opening my own business and traveling to rural areas of the state to help clerks in those places. I’ve also considered going back to school for a degree in public administration.”

Business and government isn’t the only focus Jamieson said she has, though.

“Another thing I plan to do is become a better cook and I look forward to becoming a first-time grandmother,” she said.