Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XII

Ferry Committee Walks

The members of the GIFC and Representative from Public Works walked into the monthly Roundtable meeting at 2 pm, hoping that there would be enough time to address the eleven items on the October 8 agenda. There was business to conduct and questions to be answered. The ridership needed to know about upcoming ferry service disruptions and parking issues. The GIFC needed to communicate this information, in a timely manner. Rumors were once again circulating and there wasn’t straight answer anywhere.

There were only eight people around the table - members of the Guemes Island Ferry Committee, Public Works and the ferry crew and one proponent of the extended service proposal. One too many! It did not take Public Works long to lose control of the meeting. Arguments ran rampant. By all appearances, the entire Roundtable process and its members were being attacked. Strategy seemed to be badger, nitpick, insult and coerce Roundtable members, and trivialize the years of hard work and energy exerted by these members...All this to further a personal agenda. Members of the ferry committee defended themselves and the process vehemently. Public Works waffled, dodged, and sidestepped questions.

Is it a public meeting or a meeting the public is invited to? Which? Does everyone have a vote or only the elected GIFC members and Public Works? Was the GIFC Charter voted down or did the Commissioners decide simply not to act? Does it make any difference? First there was a motion then there was no motion then there was. Whose name was written on Public Works dance card? Were they trying to dance with everyone? The meeting dissolved and the dance ended.

Last month Paula and Stella Tsitsiragos had concerns about the ferry schedule accommodating the Guemes Island school children. Parents met with Dixon Elder {GIFC} beforehand, discussed the issue to alleviate the tardiness, invited input from school bus driver with additional input at the Roundtable from GIFC and Public Works. There was a schedule change approved and signed by the County Commissioners. This was successful public input going through processes set in place by the Commissioners.

Roundtable meetings were recommended by Resolution {direct results of accepted Task Force Resolution signed by the Board of County Commissioners} to be a forum for Skagit County Public works and the GIFC to come together and address ferry issues.

The Commissioners have directed proponents of extended ferry service to work with their representatives, the GIFC, and within a public process. The Scheduling and Fares Task force {signed} resolution format was challenged on Friday 10/8/04. All members of the GIFC walked out.

Seems to me that the Board of County Commissioners should re-read the resolution they signed in January and either adhere to their own decision or re-define clearly and without exception the format of the Roundtable and the position of the GIFC, Public Works and the ferry riding public.

The GIFC members were elected. Enough said!

Public Works and GIFC were asked to submit a statement. Neither the Ferry Committee nor Public works have responded.

- MJ Andrak