In West Tisbury, the board of assessors decides not to mediate a tax appeal, landing the town in an extended slugfest at the state level that has yet to conclude.

In Oak Bluffs, residents complain about what they see as a lack of responsiveness from the building department and the zoning board of appeals.

In Dukes County, a turf battle between the county and airport commissions has resulted in a legal judgment that could cost local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Is Vineyard government, in some instances, going awry?

Testing Strength in Government

Analyzing Trends Across Island as Legal Disputes Increase; Citizens
Debate Causes, Leaders Take Stock

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

In West Tisbury, the board of assessors decides not to mediate a tax
appeal, landing the town in an extended slugfest at the state level that
has yet to conclude.

In Oak Bluffs, residents complain about what they see as a lack of
responsiveness from the building department and the zoning board of
appeals.

Chairman Suspends Tax Hearing Until Attorneys Agree on View

By IAN FEIN

In a surprise decision this week, the chairman of the Massachusetts
Appellate Tax Board suspended a complex West Tisbury tax hearing until
both parties agree on a plan to visit the Vineyard properties in
question and take testimony from two more Island witnesses.

At press time yesterday attorneys on both sides were locked in a
legal standoff and it remained unclear when the hearing would resume.

Maasai Visitor: Regina Nakola Speaks History to Save Tribe

By MAX HART

Tucked in along one edge of the Chilmark Flea Market, between a
stone wall and a sea of fabrics, fine art and assorted kitsch, Naisiae
Regina Nakola\'s jewelry stand is hard to miss.

And not just because it is the first tent you pass when you drive
in, or even because of the tables full of elaborate and colorful
necklaces.

Maasai Visitor: Regina Nakola Speaks History to Save Tribe

By MAX HART

Tucked in along one edge of the Chilmark Flea Market, between a
stone wall and a sea of fabrics, fine art and assorted kitsch, Naisiae
Regina Nakola's jewelry stand is hard to miss.

And not just because it is the first tent you pass when you drive
in, or even because of the tables full of elaborate and colorful
necklaces.

County Weighs Legal Choices

Commission, Advisors Huddle in Aftermath of Court Ruling Ordering
Triple Damages; Appeal Still Possible

By JAMES KINSELLA

Still reeling from a heavy blow dealt by a superior court judge last
week in a civil dispute with its own airport commission, the Dukes
County commission this week began to ponder the next steps.

Two weeks ago the Hon. Robert J. Bohn ruled that the Martha's
Vineyard Airport Commission is by law vested with independent authority
to hire and set the salaries of its airport managers.

Talk Centers on Preserving Character

By IAN FEIN

The chairman of the Martha's Vineyard Commission said last
week that Vineyard residents will inevitably love the Island to death.

Commission Rejects Hotel Plan for Second Time in One Year

By IAN FEIN

Citing the need to contain increased commercial use in an eclectic
residential neighborhood at the fringe of the Oak Bluffs business
district, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted last week to deny
a proposed expansion to a small inn and tennis center on New York
avenue.

The 9-0 vote marked the second time in 12 months for the commission
to turn down Jack E. Robinson's plan to expand his Martha's
Vineyard Hotel & Racquet Club.

Throughout this month swimmers along the north shore of the Vineyard have found krill-like creatures washed up on the beach by the millions. Large quantities of the tiny creatures have been observed as far west as Menemsha. The wrack line at Lambert's Cove Beach is covered with them.

Debate over the Supreme Court justice nominee John G. Roberts raged
in Chilmark. Dinner guests sat in awe as Patricia Neal recited her
Hollywood Walk of Fame address on Edgartown harbor. And couples danced
the night away to the cabaret music of Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano
in Lambert's Cove.