Meet the Candidates

Beth Blake -Wrangell Medical Center Board of Directors, four-year term

Occupation: AICS care provider

What experience or qualities do you have that would make you an effective member of the Wrangell Medical Center Board of Directors?

"I was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. in Psychology. I've had a varied employment history ranging from technical analyst with a large insurance company to coordinator for Chattanooga SAFEKIDS Coalition to law enforcement officer and now care provider with AICS and Consumer Direct.

I started out in college as a nursing major and was three semesters shy of my BSN when I switched over to psychology. Both paths have served me well not only as a law enforcement officer but especially as the parent of a child with special needs.

I'm sure more people in Wrangell know my daughter Kelsey than they do me! She's the young lady with bright red curly hair in the hot pink wheelchair who's always smiling and laughing. In the first 15 months of her life, we spent more time in hospitals than we did out. We were in hospitals all over the country seeking a diagnosis and treatment.

We've experienced fabulous care but also horrible care. The experience we just went through with my mom in a hospital in Chattanooga ranks among one of the worst experiences. No hospital is perfect but everyone deserves quality, compassionate care provided by competent staff in a clean, comfortable setting.

Since moving to Wrangell in 2012, my family and I have been fortunate with not having to use the in-patient services at Wrangell Medical Center. We have, however, used the lab, physical therapy, emergency room, X-ray, and visiting doctor services. The staff have been wonderful and we've not had any complaints."

Looking ahead to the next four years, which do you see as Wrangell's most pressing healthcare issues for the Board to address, and how do you think these should be addressed?

"In the next four years,Wrangell needs to move forward with building the new medical center. I think this is vitally important so our medical staff can continue to provide quality care for the citizens of Wrangell in a modern facility with updated technology. The new facility will also help us retain current employees and be a bonus when it comes to recruiting staff.

Additionally, we have an aging population in Wrangell that deserves to be cared for in a more comfortable, home-like environment than what our current facility can provide.

I realize that there are a lot of issues to be resolved before we can proceed with this venture. I plan to come into the hospital board meetings ready to listen with an open mind so I can make educated decisions that are in the public's best interest.

We may live on a small island but that doesn't mean we can't have a top rated hospital. This is what I want for my family and for all the citizens of Wrangell."

Susan Eagle

Wrangell School Board, three-year term

Why do you want to be on the Wrangell School Board?

"The school board has a very important role in shaping the future of our children's education. Being a part of the board is one way to have an influence on the children of Wrangell, not only through education but school climate as well."

What experience or qualities do you have that would make you a more effective member of the Board than your opponent?

"The school system is undergoing some transitions this year with the changes in administration. I have been on the school board for several years now, and I feel it is important to have some continuity on the board with the changes the school district is experiencing. I also have a background in finance, as well as a lot of involvement in youth activities in Wrangell which is very useful in overseeing the actions of the district. I also feel Aleisha Mollen would be an excellent addition to the board."

What do you see as the most pressing issue currently before the School Board, and how should it be addressed?

"The most pressing issue is to make sure the district is ready and able to meet the new state standards in curriculum. It is important for the board to understand what these standards consist of and how we can assure the district personnel are equipped to teach to these standards. Communication from administration regarding their needs for implementation will allow the board to make well-informed decisions that will assist the district in meeting these goals."

Mark Mitchell

Borough Assembly, three-year term

Occupation: Fisherman

Why do you want to be on the Wrangell Borough Assembly?

"It's everybody's role to take a part in government. ... The main reason is to try to preserve what we have here in Wrangell. ... I don't want it to change into something else."

What experience or qualities do you have that would make you an effective member of the Assembly?

"I've been self-employed since I was 21," working half a dozen jobs over the years, from farmer to elk rancher to fisherman.

What sort of role do you believe the Assembly should have in the Wrangell community, and if elected, how would you contribute to that?

"My belief is that government should have a very limited role. It shouldn't be part of the problem. ... I really think we need to take a hard look at our budget." While the community of Wrangell has shrunk over the past decade, "nothing in government shrank with it." A reduction in expenditure and reevaluation of current tax rates would help attract more businesses and people to the community.