Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXX

Mumbling Munks

The BOCC signing of a resolution to extend week night ferry runs to and from Guemes Island is a volatile issue.

That signing sparked a protest. Forty sign carrying islanders gathered to meet Commissioner Don Munks as he disembarked from the ferry to attend the annual GIPOA membership meeting at the Guemes Island Community Center.

Inside the Community Center were almost an equal amount of islanders {GIPOA members} with questions for Don Munks. It was apparent from the start that the members had done their homework and Mr. Munks had not.

There were no outbursts, as in previous meetings with Munks, but many who asked questions did not accept Munks' insipid answers. Several times he was asked to please clarify the answer. He did not or could not.

In response to questions by the GIPOA membership in regards to the extended ferry hours: He said that “only one entity can control growth and that is property owners” when asked about that growth he answered that “transportation does not control growth.” Bob Henderson received a round of applause when he took issue with Munks' statement. {Henderson spent thirty years on Lynwood planning committee.}

The quarterly GIFC meeting at the hall on the following day was short. Glen Veal voiced his frustration with the BOCC signing the extended hours resolution. The GIFC has gone from an advisory committee to a watchdog group. This is not what was intended for GIFC.

This is a case of Guemes community values versus Skagit County commissioners' values. The Resolution was Round One. FGI's appeal to Superior Court is Round Two. Can the Commissioners go the distance?

Commentary by MJ Andrak

[6.14.6]

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