Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales III

The Beginning of the End?

Another episode in the ongoing saga of the Guemes Island Ferry, the county that operates it, and the people on the island that it serves.

A “cattle call” goes out to Guemes Islanders from directors Berk and Associates and is answered by over 100 people on Saturday November 15, 2003. This Fare and Schedule Proposal for the Guemes Island Ferry is a culmination of months of toil, exhaustive meetings, statistical research, and massive expenses. Input from the ridership is needed, albeit a smidgen late in the game in the opinions of some. Even the elected County Commissioner answers the call and attends. Although he does arrive late and has, at this time, only a “bit” part and very few lines!

A sign-up sheet (for speaking parts) is strategically located at the entrance. A casting list formulated. Berk and Associates assures the crowd that all that want a speaking part will be heard. First, however, there are introductions. The Task Force members residing on Guemes have been inundated with phone calls and email inquiries since the “cattle call” went out. The County, Public Works Dept Personnel, and Directors Berk and Associates manage to distance themselves and be somewhat inaccessible (other than email) until tonight, however.

There is a short presentation of the Task Force Proposal. During this time the tension in the room builds. There is an undercurrent of anxiety, worry, and frustration. Many of the changes proposed affect the lives of all.

Speakers are called upon in order of sign up. . Some ramble on unprepared.( ad lib) Often facts and figures are inaccurate.(distortion) Scare tactics( loss of lifestyle) are also a tool used to garner attention for the speaker. Others have questions that are only self-serving. There are some personal attacks and Berk and Associates have to use their facilitating skill (or lack of) to move forward. Many speakers have articulate and thoughtful questions that affect the greater good of the ridership. Valid questions include references to accountability, effective management, union (IBU) contract negotiations cost and performance. All have an impact on this proposal. These questions are met with cheers and applause.

Simultaneous to readings, notes are being taken (Berk and Associates) for the next Task Force Meeting.

What impact the community input will have on the proposal remains to be seen.( will there be more episodes?) The scheduled Season Finale (next meeting) is Friday November 21. The presentation, to the omnipotent County Commissioners, is December 15. The decision will be made at that time whether or not the Saga of the Guemes Island Ferry will be released to the public.

This may be the end of the Guemes Island Ferry as we know it. Fares, schedules, loading, overuns, frequent user passes, and parking are some of the things that are affected by this proposal.

- MJ Andrak