Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXXVIIII

Shifting Winds

The range of opinions and comments varied but everyone that attended the Skagit County Community Meeting on Friday could agree on one thing. This was a Guemes Island first. In spite of the fact that Guemes is a very small slice of the Skagit County pie, all three Commissioners of Skagit County were present.

From Commissioner Sharon Dillon’s opening remarks about bringing people together, Ryan Walters’ facilitation, and people talking and, more importantly, listening, the mood lacked the tension of many other meetings. After many years of adversity, could this be the beginning of a new era in the county?

Many people spoke for and against the extended hours schedule. For the first time, since I can remember, proponents and opponents were in the same room and actually listened to one another. I don’t think that anyone crossed over, but many good points were brought up. Some heard for the first time and other points that bore repeating.

The gap between proponents and opponents appears to be narrowing with the majority of islanders still opposed. According to my tally, it appeared to run three to one against.
Win Anderson objected to extended schedule being implemented without due process. Steve Orsini would trade extended service for emergency service. Glen Veal would rather have more ferry runs than improvements to Guemes Island Road. (These proposed improvements would accommodate the longer vehicle lines created by the loss of flexibility in ferry runs.) There were some issues that received a round of applause. Separating land use from ferry use would seem an appealing option but it would be the first time anywhere that transportation is considered without its effects.

Roz Glasser got my attention when she commented about Guemes’ Growth with Grace.

Many commented on the convenience of the extended hours. Like many others, I did not move here for convenience, so I can’t relate to that aspect.

No changes will be made at the County level because of this meeting, but winds {or slight breezes} of change may be in the air.

Commentary by MJ Andrak

[6.7.7]

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