Regional Government Challenged at Home

By JAMES KINSELLA

After nearly two decades, the vision still has appeal: a Dukes
County government taking on and solving Vineyard problems.

It is a vision that has drawn the support of Islanders at the ballot
box, and inspired resistance to Massachusetts legislative and
gubernatorial moves to abolish county government.

Concerned about a precipitous decline in herring, the state has banned their harvest in Massachusetts for the next three years.

Also known as alewives, herring is the most valued bait fish in Vineyard waters.

The closure, which affects at least 100 herring runs along the Massachusetts coast, ironically comes at a time when Vineyard towns are taking steps to revive and improve their runs.

With the first snowfall of winter, Nip 'n' Tuck Farm in
West Tisbury is quiet outside. The farm equipment out in the field is
covered, and a tractor sits decorated in dual shades of rust and fresh
snow. The landscape is motionless.

Weighing the pressing need for affordable housing over its other planning principles, the Martha's Vineyard Commission early this morning approved with heavy conditions an unusual 11-unit subdivision in the rural outposts of Edgartown.

"This is really a referendum on us as a community. If we can't find a way to provide homes for our working-class residents, then we fail," said commissioner Chris Murphy of Chilmark. "The results of this project are damn good. I think the applicant should be proud, and we should be proud."

Around the Vineyard, the number of volunteer firefighters serving
their communities is falling.

Ten years ago, the Tisbury fire department was running with a full
complement of 51 volunteer firefighters. Today the number has dropped to
41.

Three years ago, the Chilmark fire department boasted a full staff
of 38 volunteers. Today the number of firefighters responding to a call
is almost half of that.

Anthony J. (Tubby) Rebello, a well-known Oak Bluffs politician,
former selectman, town moderator, businessman and family man, died on
Dec. 5 after battling Alzheimer's disease for a number of years.
He was 71.

Island residency proved the trump card for Sean Flynn, who was
selected as manager of Martha's Vineyard Airport on Wednesday
night in a 4-3 vote of the airport commission.

High-Density Affordable Housing Plan Proposed for North Tisbury
Property

By IAN FEIN

A plan to build 94 condominium units on 46 acres off Old Stage Road
in North Tisbury quietly surfaced at a meeting of the West Tisbury
selectmen last week. The plan is one of the larger formal development
proposals in the history of the Vineyard.

Talks Begin Over Tax Case and Legal Bills

By IAN FEIN

A visibly frustrated William W. Graham told the West Tisbury selectmen this week that there is no way to resolve his costly tax case with the town unless the principal assessor and chairman of the board of assessors step aside.

"The real problem here is who is in charge," Mr. Graham said. "Because if these people are in charge, you can't win and I can't win and the town can't win."

Electric Bills Skyrocket As Cape Light Compact Signs Deal to Buy Power

By JAMES KINSELLA

Thousands of Martha\'s Vineyard residents and businesses will see their electric bills jump by 30 per cent or more by next month.

The residents and businesses are members of the Cape Light Compact, an organization formed to represent consumer interests in the deregulated power industry. The higher bills will be derived from the December meter readings.