Patti Mackey is one of three candidates in the Republican primary election to represent Wrangell, Ketchikan, and surrounding communities in the Alaska State House of Representatives. Mackey is from Ketchikan, and she was at the Stikine Inn Thursday to meet some Wrangell residents.
Five people showed up at the meet-and-greet event. They talked to Mackey about issues facing Wrangell and the southeast region.
Mackey said jobs would be a priority for her as a legislator, but she also wants to make sure the needs of District 36 are heard in Juneau.
“We’ve been losing representation in this part of the state for several years now as a result of population changes and I think that is a critical part of this election,” Mackey said.
This is the first time in several years Wrangell won’t have a hometown representative. Mackey said she would be visible and active in Wrangell as a legislator.
“What’s been helpful for me on this trip in Wrangell already is I’ve just been walking into businesses and talking to people, introducing myself, and asking them what do you see the state is doing or is not doing that benefits Wrangell,” Mackey said.
Mackey is currently the president and CEO of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.
She is competing against Agnes Moran and Chere Klein, also from Ketchikan, for the chance to face Independent Dan Ortiz in the November general election. The winner will replace Republican Representative Peggy Wilson of Wrangell.
The primary election is August 19.
