| [March 2004] | |
| LineTime Question | Jim O'Neil Responds |
Please tell us about yourself. |
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| Why do you want to serve on the Guemes Island Ferry Committee? | Hello, I am Jim O’Neil, a 16-year Island resident living on West Shore Drive. I accepted the nomination to the Ferry Committee to give a potential voice on the Committee to those that felt the recommendations that are presently being implemented did not meet the needs of many of the respondents to the Ferry Survey. |
| What skills and experience would you bring to the committee? | My working background is in engineering analysis and project management. I believe my skills in evaluating data, and in recognizing alternative solutions with attendant financial implications would be valuable skills on the Committee. |
| On what other island organizations have you served? | I have served as a Fire District #17 Commissioner for 12 years, and have been a supporter of the Guemes Island Church since coming to the Island. |
| Why do you choose to live on Guemes Island? | I live on Guemes Island because it is a small community that has space for many different views. The availability of close-by services, recreation, jobs, etc., has provided an opportunity for working off-Island as well as attendance at many cultural and educational activities in the Northwest. |
| How would
you describe the point of view you might represent on the Ferry Committee? |
I believe the Ferry should be available to support the travel needs to and from the Island. A large percentage of use is by services, contractors, guests, and non-resident property owners. Many residents need these services. I feel each Ferry user deserves consideration in planning changes and providing services. |
| How do you see yourself representing those with whom you disagree? | When there are alternative views, direct discussion with the best available data can develop answers that combine the interests of all, to produce the best result for all. In reaching such answers there are not winners or losers, just better answers. |
| How did you participate in the Fares and Scheduling Task Force process? | I have read and responded to all of the Ferry Committees public information, and have attended most of the public information meetings. |
One issue of concern to Ferry riders is whether or not the ferry should operate past 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday. |
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What do you see as the benefits of such expansion? What do you see as the consequences? Are you in favor of
expanding the ferry's hours of week night Do you believe
expanding Guemes Island ferry service, either with a larger ferry or extended
hours, should require assessment of potential impacts on Guemes, such
as population, property values and taxes, water resources, |
Operation of the Ferry later on weekdays should be an advantage to many users; It would provide school students (and parents) the chance to be involved in after school and evening activities; It would allow residents to attend meetings, dinners, etc., without overnight stays, and it could reduce the pressure on the 6pm run. Such an extension would require crew schedule changes, and add working hours. I feel that late weekday service needs a significant study, including a period of trial operation, to determine realistic costs and benefits. I am not in favor of using the Ferry as an Island gate. The Ferry Committee has made a very commendable effort in establishing Island interests with the County. They have worked hard to improve operations. It is my feeling they did not study the area of late evening operation effectively. The Ferry Committee needs to listen to diverse views and actively consider alternatives. |
Over the past year, the Ferry Committee's and Islander's involvement in Ferry policy development has greatly expanded. |
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In
what ways would you improve communication between the Ferry How do you see improving the role of the Ferry Committee as intermediary and advocate for ferry ridership? How do you see the
Ferry Committee helping islanders understand the |
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According to Skagit County's Capital Facilities Plan, one way to increase the capacity of the Guemes Island Ferry system is to "encourage car-pooling and walk-on passengers" to reduce drive-on traffic. |
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| How do you imagine encouraging walk on traffic, especially among those reluctant to get out of their cars? | To increase walk-on traffic, there is a need to improve the safe near-by parking on both landings. I am very happy to see progress on this issue, and this should help. However, the increases that will occur on the Anacortes side have been offset by major losses from park development and loading redesign. Developing parking will be an ongoing challenge. |
| Do you walk on regularly? | I walk on occasionally, primarily when our schedules let us exchange cars. |
Please tell us your vision for future Ferry service. |
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How do you envision the ideal Guemes Island Ferry system? What issues do you see as being paramount in the next 5 years? |
My vision for future service would be a weekday schedule that would provide desired services to a large majority of Ferry users, and be flexible enough to have turn-around service when major back-ups occur (recognizing crew breaks, etc.). The most important issue in the near future is supplying the best possible service with our present Ferry within a reasonable fare structure. In the longer term, the study of a replacement ferry is necessary. Delaying this effort until the need is apparent will only be more expensive. The Ferry Committee should represent the wide range of views held by Island residents. I believe I can help widen the viewpoint of the Committee if elected. Thank you. Jim O’Neil |
