| Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXXXIIII Infinite Loop
As I refer to my notes, from past Skagit County meetings held on Guemes Island regarding the ferry, I don’t see much difference between Sunday’s meeting and several others. The environmental concerns of Guemes Islanders are still the same with water, land use, and rural character topping the list. Fare increases and ferry scheduling are issues, as well. Is the impact of the extended ferry hours “significant” or“non-significant”? Which “survey” is the most accurate? Should we schedule four or five runs after 6 pm? How much will rates increase? Were any of these questions answered or any concerned addressed? Not from where I was sitting. Study upon study, since the early 1990’s, and at who knows what expense, have reported their findings to Skagit County Officials. These findings have been uncategorically ignored. The County has a history of refusing to believe that the Ferry has any impact on the environment or the island’s character. Refusal to link transportation with development is total denial on the part of the County. This brouhaha exists because of Judge Allendorfer’s decision, in FGI vs Skagit County, required an Environmental Assessment and SEPA check list be completed by the County, or the hours of service will revert to those of May 2006. The County is bringing no new analysis or information to this “white paper report”. Why do I think that putting past analysis into a new format or on different colored paper will not alter the outcome? I am becoming increasingly weary of this old tune. Commentary by MJ Andrak, [2.14.8] (In computer programming, looping is repeating a set of instructions until a specific condition is met. An infinite loop occurs when the condition will never be met, due to some inherent characteristic of the loop.) Send a message to the Commissioners, Public Works Director and ferry manager.
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