Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXVI

Finding Phantoms

The votes have been counted. The current survey has been tallied. The percentages may vary slightly. The survey comments may be worded a little differently. The results are still the same. Nothing has changed. The majority of Guemes Island property owners and registered voters do not want extended weekday ferry service. That is crystal clear, yet again.

The recent fare increase received its share of attention. Fewer vehicles use the ferry since the increase. There are more shopping carts and wagons put into service, more ride sharing and more walk-ons. This is good for Guemes. We are connecting with each other. The passenger cabin on the ferry is full and seldom quiet.

More ferry passengers are paying cash. Fewer frequent user books are being purchased. The initial cost outlay of a frequent user ticket book doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget. Yes, Skagitonians that want to join the “rich elite” of Guemes Island, the elite have budgets. The salaries, pensions, and social security checks have not kept up with increased ferry costs.

Skagit County Public Works is losing revenue however. Costs are increasing. To compensate, there are new openings for employment aboard the MV Guemes. Fewer vehicles and fewer ticket book purchases equal more ferry employees to get the job done. Senior passes are purchased in Mt Vernon, that new category is not serviced at the Anacortes dock.

The vehicles parked in the parking lots are not elitist. I can’t help but wonder, where do the Guemes elite park? Is Skagit County Public Works offering valet parking? Limousine service? Where are all the Humvees and Rolls Royce’s?

Our elected County Commissioners should listen to their constituents. Heed the data that has been gathered at great expense {Berk and Associates}. Consider the countless hours and energy that so many have volunteered to address this issue, and act accordingly. Extended hours is an unnecessary, unwanted expense for a minority. How many really want to live on Guemes, with the added expense of the ferry, and work elsewhere? How many want to rise earlier in the morning to accommodate the ferry schedule?

Extended weekday ferry service for Guemes Island would create an elitist community where only phantom elitists are now.

- MJ Andrak

[2.28.6]

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