The SSA touts itself as "the lifeline to the islands;" a friend used to describe it as having a "stranglehold on the islands." In fact, by its enabling legislation from the Commonwealth (which set up a monopoly) in 1960 any deficits are assessed to the islands although as the SSA says: "it has not had to assess the taxpayers of the participating communities for monetary support since 1963." This is because for many years, budgets have normally been reasonably prudent and revenues have exceeded expenditures. Now the SSA has contracts (which can be canceled although presumably with a hefty penalty) to build a new "single ended" vessel at $40 M and for WH terminal improvements (in actual fact a whole new and very complex complex) for $62 M. The "single ended" vessel is in spite of the fact that double ended ferries have served very effectively and efficiently for decades on the Vineyard run (and even to Nantucket). It is also inspite of the fact that the new WH complex will totally alter -- even destroy -- the character and look of the lovely little sea side village of Woods Hole. Incredibly the various world class scientific buildings and complexes fit in there almost seamlessly while the SSA megaplex will not. Wayne Lamsom was for many years a very reasonable and competent part of the SSA management, since he's become the general manager he's tended to opt for expansion of the fleet, of the port facilities, of peripherals such as parking areas, etc. No one from the Vineyard has suggested a more modest plan, and I'm not sure about Nantucket. In fact, our member, Mark Hanover has always been supportive of management and never have we heard him advise against some project or plan. Perhaps he should make it a point to solicit input and engage in a proactive effort to visit each island town to see how the residents feel. Maybe he should have an office or a way to contact him (easily) so that islanders and communicate with him (since he doesn't communicate with us). I don't care about the proposed rate increases. The ferry ride is still very economical and periodic increases are to be expected -- your cup of coffee costs more, and so does internet service from Comcast! The fare increase is NOT the real issue; the real issues are the grand plan and the creation of a ferry megaplex. What I do care about and urge islanders to address is the mission creep of the SSA, and the ever increasing expenditures for infrastructure and the fleet. Why is the SSA replacing the GOVERNOR? She runs efficiently and while not as "comfy" as other vessels, she's just fine. We don't need a cruise ship for a 45 minute ride. Why is the WH terminal being revised (completely rebuilt really)? To accommodate climate change and sea level rise? Great reason but not needed at this time. THe parking and staging area works just fine -- not perfect but it is OK. Particularly for much of the year. Same for the terminal. So throttle back and cancel those outrageous contracts. And Mr. Hanover, come and talk to us. NOW!

How about mission rampage?

I second Ginny's comment that the Governor works fine and doesn't need to be replaced! It has new engines within the past couple of years (I think two!) and is paid for. Why do we need to replace such an efficient hauler? Why? Why? Why? Let's stop the insanity and start to lower the cost of getting goods and services on to the island. Do we really need so many employees doing little? Let's have an efficiency expert look at the SSA and give us a report. If we decide to implement it, then buying out the union inefficiencies will be one of the best investments the SSA could make.