Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXV

Turbulence

Guemes Island Ferry riders and crew have seen more of Anacortes City Police during the last 10 days than during the last 10 months. The reason: a Skagit Board of County Commissioners {BOCC} resolution. This resolution more than doubled the frequent user fare in one fell swoop beginning January 1, 2006. An incremental increase request letter, signed by over 400 ferry riders, was ignored.

The BOCC arbitrarily made this fare increase decision. The BOCC ignored input from ferry riders. The BOCC also denied use of frequent user ticket books with valid dates. The BOCC, through Skagit County, will refund money on these tickets after a refund application has been filled out properly and processed from Mt.Vernon.{with a 4-6 week turn around time}

This set the stage for conflicts between riders and crew. Ferry passengers wanting to use the last of their valid frequent user books. Riders searching through their auto upholstery to come up with enough change to get them, their children, and their groceries home after work, Ferry crew trying to maintain a schedule and keep peace at the dock. When tempers flared, Anacortes’ “boys in blue” were called to bring order.

A quote from Steve Cox, ferry manager, on the subject, “I understand people's frustration with the fares, but the crews are doing their job. If folks have a problem, they should take it to me or their elected officials and not disrupt the crew and their friends and neighbors who are trying to get home after a busy day.” I couldn’t agree more. The BOCC at 1800 Continental Place, Suite 100, should be held accountable.

“If many customers start handing us coinage, I may be forced into bringing in a another person to assist folks with coinage” is another statement from Mr. Cox. He can’t be serious. A five person crew. Last time I looked US coins were legal tender. I don’t think anyone has tried to pay with pesos or loonies.

Why isn’t pre selling an option? An additional 5 minutes selling time might make the difference needed to take cash and make change. “Bringing in another person to count coinage” is an absurd alternative. The fare being paid in coin or large bills couldn’t have been a surprise. It is an honest reaction to being ignored. Perhaps the BOCC should receive their salaries in coinage.

For those who did not attend the annual Guemes Island Ferry Committee {GIFC} on Sunday January 8th, Dyvon Havens was the only name put into nomination for the upcoming February 18 election. Marilee Fosbre is stepping down. Thanks Marilee for all the time, effort, and energy you put into the GIFC over the past years.

Also on the ballot will be a “poll” of registered voters on extended weekday hours. Proponents and opponents will be asked to write statements in support of their positions. I am eager to read the proponents statement.

The ferry loses revenue each time there is an outage, often costing the County to pay for a passenger boat. Revenue loss seems to be the rule instead of the exception for ferry operations. Loss of revenue is only one aspect of this battle with the BOCC.

An unsigned draft announcement proposing a boycott is well intentioned but misguided. Any protests must not harass the crew or interfere with ferry operations.

Guemes Islanders must unite with all Skagit County residents and not marginalize themselves further.

Let’s take our protests to 1800 Continental Place Suite 100, Mt. Vernon, WA.

- MJ Andrak

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