Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales VIII

Signal Crossing

The quarterly Ferry Committee meeting did not generate much interest, this Sunday after Mother’s Day in May. It did not take me long to appreciate the lack of attendance.

I’m so… confused! Seems that Skagit County’s Public works is sending the ridership of the Guemes Ferry mixed signals through the advisory Guemes Ferry committee. This { if nothing else} became clear at the Sunday May 16 meeting at the Guemes Island Community Center There were issues discussed and settlements implied at the April 23rd Roundtable meeting that have been set into place. There are other issues that were never addressed that seem to be in place as well. No communication to the Guemes Public!! What is the purpose of keeping the Guemes Ferry ridership in the dark? Could anyone answer?

The new media ticket that will be in effect June 1 was described. Frequent User tickets costs, which is transferable and which is not transferable was explained, as was the $5.00 surcharge if someone shows up without money or ticket book. This latest action could inadvertently encourage panhandling!

The parking situation {or lack of} was bandied about. The Skagit County Planning Dept has a posting on the Guemes side indicating changes. Daniel Downs (360.336.9410), dand@co.skagit.wa.us. says he will answer questions within 30 days of the posting {5/6}. In order to facilitate walk-on passengers we need to have adequate parking. I’m NO engineer but I can figure that out. Who on the island can afford to have their vehicle impounded by the city of Anacortes? Starting the day with a parking ticket is not acceptable either.

Guemes Islanders can purchase the current frequent user passes until May 31 at the current rate. These will be accepted until their expiration date. I’ll buy mine now but I know it will only postpone the inevitable.

- MJ Andrak


The Guemes Island Ferry Committee budget is seriously lacking:

The bottom line, after the election, balance is $58.70. Any and all donations are accepted. Mail to:

Guemes island Ferry Committee
7885 Guemes Island Road #6
Guemes Island, WA 98221


Outage Outrage
Strictly Business
Two Steps Forward

Ferry Tales XIV

Practicing Communication
Failure To Communicate
Ferry Committee Walks
Pedaling Back
One Step Back
Safety or Surveillance?
Signal Crossing
Around and aRoundtable!
Not Pretty!
Postscript
Series Finale
The Beginning of the End?
Good Cop : Bad Cop
Time : Money : Power