Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales VI

Not Pretty!

The January 20, 2004 Skagit County Commissioner’s hearing took place right on schedule. No one was surprised at the Commissioners decision to accept the GIFTF Schedule and Fare Proposal. The surprise came when Don Munks did the equivalent of a “line veto” and did NOT accept the Task Force’s recommendation to end the Ferry run at 6 PM. Instead the runs will continue until the loading dock is empty {as it is now}.

Don Munks also included in his motion that there would be a continuing dialogue between the GIFC, Guemes Island Property Owners/citizens and Commissioners that would include issues/proposals brought up at a December Public Meeting on Guemes. The emphasis was on dialogue between GIFC and the Guemes Island Citizens.

Eight Guemes citizens were in attendance and once the motion passed and the hearing was adjourned several approached the Commissioners.

It wasn’t pretty! Tolerance was low and frustrations high. Commissioner Andersen left the room in a huff after making the statement "I have spent more time on the Guemes Island Ferry issues than on the other 830 miles of Skagit County roadway combined." Basically the Skagit County Commisioners fulfilled their obligation. They hired Berk and Associates as consultants, formed a task force, and concurred with their findings. No surprises there! Don Munks held his ground, and repeated more than once, that these citizens, unhappy with the decision, should open up dialogue with the GIFC members that they nominated and voted on.

Glen Veal’s position as chairman of the GIFC ends in February. The public meeting is 2/22/2004 at the Guemes Island Community Center. It will be open for nominations from the floor. There will be a vote! Be there, vote, and support whoever is unfortunate enough to be elected!

- MJ Andrak