Former Gig Harbor Mayor Gretchen Wilbert passed away last weekend. She served from 1990 through 2006. In response, Pierce County Council Member Derek Young issued this statement:
“On Sunday, we lost a true visionary and leader with the passing of Mayor Gretchen Wilbert. I had the honor to serve with Gretchen for my first eight years on the Gig Harbor City Council.
“I have many fond memories of working with Gretchen on the City Council and I learned so much from her during that time. Just last week at the County Council meeting we were discussing ‘dark skies’ outdoor lighting regulations, an issue she championed in Gig Harbor, establishing our small town as a national leader on the issue. When I worked with the Council and Pierce Transit a couple of years ago to bring the popular trolley to Gig Harbor, it was Gretchen – having pushed the idea for years – that inspired me.
“Even when we disagreed, Gretchen often ended meetings with ‘you did good, kid.’ It's the sort of grace and kindness that politics could use more of these days.
“While most knew her as the mayor, many more remember her as an amazing teacher that led the way on early-learning on the peninsulas, establishing our district's first kindergarten.
Gretchen’s dedication and commitment will be missed but her legacy will be felt for generations to come.
“You did good, Gretchen.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Young, Pierce County Council District 7
(253) 798-7776
[email protected]