Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXI

Double, Double Tolls and Trouble

Double-digit percentage fare increase for frequent users!

The new fares are set to go into effect on Oct. 1, 2005 and will be reviewed by the state. The proposal passed on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt dissenting. Dahlstedt wanted to preserve the summer surcharge. A debate ensued. Ted Anderson did not want to penalize those passengers that rode the ferry only occasionally while visiting Guemes parks.

Evidently the Guemes Island Ferry passengers {voters} that use the ferry to get to their jobs, school, and doctors have little or no influence with Skagit County BOC. { elected officials} The $170,000 plus spent on a study done by Berk and Associates has been trashed. The GIFC is being ignored. The Task Force merely idle talk. Finally, the Public Works Roundtable has become a mockery.

The ferry passengers that use the ferry only occasionally in the summer {registered to vote in another county?} get a $.50 reduction in their fares. It appears that the voters who pay the salary of these elected officials are the ones aggrieved.

Islanders will pay $672 for a semi-annual frequent user ticket. County Public Works Director Chal Martin said a credit card billing system may be offered. That system would allow islanders to pay for the passes in monthly installments. Let’s add the credit card interest to the ticket cost as well. Isn’t that adding insult to injury? Thanks, Chal!

Where will this new -found revenue be spent? What will improve? Who will be best served? How did the Guemes Ferry incur a $1 million annual deficit?

Mr. Martin has said that the new fares won't be enough to cover current expenses and will rise again next year. According to the Mr. Martin's Mismanagement Mandate, the proper response to big deficits is not to improve efficiencies or trim excesses, but simply get more money, extend services and get even more money.

Any way you look at this proposal and the action of BOC, it is a personal affront to the people of Guemes Island.

- MJ Andrak

[8.3.5]

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