As has been proclaimed in recent articles and editorials, there is a lack of leadership in the upper management of the Steamship Authority, and it was on full display last week after a series of unfortunate events.

Enough already. The time for action is now. We are writing to sound the alarm and suggest that the current board and management of the Steamship Authority (SSA) does not have sufficient oversight from the people who are most affected — MV Islanders, you and we. With only 35 per cent of the Board of Governors vote, we are powerless to effect the urgent changes needed. Recent events have not just highlighted critical issues, they have exposed a crisis that demands immediate attention and swift action from our community and state legislators. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

A kick off Zoom meeting will be held Jan. 7, 2025 at 5:30pm. Email MV.Action.SSA@gmail.com for both preliminary proposed steps and actions and the Zoom link.

Margaret Hannemann and Amy Cody (Chilmark), and Alan Brigish (West Tisbury).