FLAG FIX

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Let’s all give a big thank-you to whomever dredged up the so-called flag bylaw in Tisbury and indirectly brought it to our collective attention. Such faceless mischief-makers are rarely recognized for catalyzing unintended consequences.

In all the hubbub two questions go unanswered: Where is the value added, and how is the public served?

Surely sound and reasonable answers to the flag issue are not beyond the reach of the leadership of Tisbury, yet available remedies appear so heavily encumbered by legal processes, a rapid resolution is nearly impossible.

On a broader note, perhaps the time has come for a single law to address our greater systemic problem: “No law shall be passed without first rescinding a pre-existing one.” Any step in this direction would force welcome discipline on those regulators who endlessly seek solutions to problems yet to be identified.

Philip Howard’s recently rereleased book, The Death of Common Sense: How Law Is Suffocating America, is marvelous. Sadly, it was not available at the Tisbury Public Library when I called on Saturday, but they offered to get a copy. I’ve read it, and encourage others to do so as well, but please, do it soon.

Ted Stanley

West Tisbury

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CRAIG’S SIGN

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I recently returned to the Vineyard after eight months away. It’s as beautiful as ever, while there are signs of change here and there. One change was a surprise and forces the question: Why was Craig’s “Hoo-rah for Bill” sign removed from State Road?

Chris Lomaka

Portland, Me.

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POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

In a letter to the Gazette last week, Tony Horwitz railed against the absurdly inefficient manner in which NStar insisted upon waiting for a disaster to occur with trees toppling over in high winds and cutting off power to numerous homes, instead of cutting back offending branches beforehand to avert such a disaster.

This morning I experienced what to me was a similar disgraceful and inappropriate response to my situation at the Black Dog store in downtown Vineyard Haven.

Last evening a departing guest replaced a very attractive night-light of a sailing ship which had graced a bathroom in my home for years. In its stead, they placed a wooden Black Dog one totally inappropriate for the space. It would be much more suitable as a memory for an off-Islander than a resident of over 30 years!

This morning I returned the night-light to the store, and waited interminably while the young clerk, an employee of eight years she advised me, contacted her immediate superior by phone to determine whether or not I was eligible to receive a refund, a certificate or nothing, since I did not have the receipt. A lengthy conversation ensued while I, an 80-year-old woman with much to do, had to stand and wait while the wrangling on the phone went on and on.

The final result was that according to company policy I could only exchange the light then and there in the store. Since nothing appealed to me, and despite insisting on a receipt of my own as refused to take the light home again, I was compelled to leave empty-handed, and totally disgusted with the Black Dog’s lack of public relations savvy. Most stores give credit for purchase at a future date.

Having lived in this community for over 30 years, I doubt very much if Charlene or Robert Douglas and their sons are aware of the rigidity of their employees’ views, policy or no policy.

Like Tony Horwitz, I can only shake my head in disbelief at the seemingly total ineptitude on the part of both NStar and the Black Dog.

Doreen Kinsman

Vineyard Haven

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CHANGE FOR WORSE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Point Way Inn, 148 Main street, the Captain Dexter House, Shiretown Inn, Chadwick Inn, Daggett House — they’re all gone.

The character of Edgartown is changing. The inns and hotels add charm and vitality to the village and support tourism which provides a much-needed source of revenue for the entire Island business community, and they are going away.

Perhaps you care, perhaps you don’t. I do. I feel the village of Edgartown is a special place for sailors, lovers of history, architecture, romantic getaways, peace and quiet.

A restaurant with a “revised” seating count, one seat less than the required threshold for a referral to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, has been approved by the zoning board of appeals too hastily and must be redone.

Several critical steps were omitted or overlooked. Why?

The historic district commission that has required hearings for rose trellises (which had to be modified), mandated that new siding be removed from the Federated Church after installation because it was improper material, arbors, shutters and even flower boxes have been repainted, removed and modified. But a 49-seat outdoor restaurant next to the sidewalk with an outdoor kitchen on South Water street doesn’t even need a review? Really? Why is that?

The Sheila Allen store on Main street was told to remove the music speaker they had hung outside her store last year, but four outdoor speakers were granted “for background music” for a restaurant on South Water street that is abutted by three inns. Really?

The town can’t wait to re-approve this plan and avoid the MVC’s scrutiny which is appropriate and mandated by protocol. Too bad. Too bad for the voters of Edgartown who have repeatedly made their wishes to remain in the MVC known by their ballots. And this is exactly why impartial, professional and objective review of projects that have political undercurrent, conflict and influences which are outside the public view are the specialty of the MVC. It may make them unpopular with the people that want to get things done their way, but it is that very reason the state created the MVC.

Change is inevitable and even change for the better is difficult at first. This “cafe” is not a change for the better, nor is it an appropriate plan in the historic district of Edgartown where sea captains and whalers built their homes and even Herman Melville spent his summers.

Please say something if you feel the same way.

Stephen and Karyn Caliri

Edgartown

The writers are the owners of the Victorian Inn.

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PICNIC PERFECTION

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

The Tisbury Memorial Day picnic committee would like to thank the close to 300 people from all over the Island who joined us at the Tisbury Waterworks — in spite of the rainy forecast — for a fantastic Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 30.

A special note of thanks to the waterworks and DPW crews for their work in setting the scene for a great picnic afternoon.

Thanks to Mya Allen-Wright, who sang our national anthem so beautifully.

Thanks to Deb and the crew at Seaside Celebrations for the tent which kept our volunteer grillers and watermelon slicer out of the sun. Thanks to Sara at Cronig’s for hot dogs and rolls, to Sam at Stop & Shop for watermelons, and Cash and Carry. Thanks to Bebe at the Toy Box for game prizes. Because of her generosity, every kid was a winner that afternoon.

Thanks to the individuals who lent us boats for rowing on the pond, and to Ollie for giving lots of little kids pony rides.

Thanks to the Vineyard Playhouse for providing a “facility.”

And thanks to the girls and boys from our Island schools — as well as several adults — who pitched in and helped with the games, the pony rides, the boats, and the ice cream.

What a terrific way to start yet another summer on Martha’s Vineyard!

Patricia Carlet

Vineyard Haven

The Vineyard Gazette welcomes letters to the editor on any subject concerning Martha’s Vineyard. The newspaper strives to publish all letters as space allows, although the editor reserves the right to reject letters that in her judgment are inappropriate. Letters must be signed, and should include a place of residence and contact telephone number. The Gazette does not publish anonymous letters.