LineTime.org : Guemes Island Ferry Committee

5/10/05

Fellow Guemes islanders,

Recently, a vocal minority of islanders submitted a proposal for extending the hours of ferry operation until 10:00 pm Monday through Thursday. This proposal bypassed the ferry roundtable process and was presented directly to the Commissioners by the Department of Public Works. Despite the fact that the candidate running against hours extension received at least a 65% majority in the past two Guemes Island Ferry Committee elections, public works portrayed the island as “nearly split” on the issue.

We need to let the commissioners know that this is not the case. The proponents of extended ferry hours have started a letter writing campaign claiming to represent you.

Let your voice be heard in opposition to this proposal that threatens both the rural character of island life and will undoubtedly raise costs to both users and county taxpayers. Please send hard copy of your letter to:

Skagit County Board of Commissioners
1800 Continental Place, Suite 100
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Here are some talking points that you might use in your letter:

State your opposition to extension for ferry operation Monday through Thursday.
Demand public hearings and input on the issue.
Demand sticking to the roundtable process adopted by the Commissioners.
Demand a comptroller’s analysis of the extension proposals costs.
Question the added costs of maintenance and fuel brought on by running a mechanically troubled vessel longer hours.
Demand that they represent the will of the people shown in the past two ferry elections.
Question why they are ignoring the recommendations of the Fares and Scheduling Task Force Resolution.

Please pass this letter on to everybody you know that is concerned about this issue.

The Ferry Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of your letter as a way to get feedback on Island views and to be in a better position to respond to the Commissioners.

Send to: GIFC, 7885 Guemes Island Road #6, Anacortes Wa. 982221

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Victor Garcia and Guemes Island Ferry Committee