Last summer the eminently credible Walter Cronkite was correct as
usual when he predicted, "I'm expecting him to be right up
on that platform as he's been all these years, so I'm not
going to waste any tears."
Art Buchwald, succumbing to the request of Possible Dreams
cochairmen Kerry Scott and Amy Eisenlohr, has rescinded the decision he
made in August to step down as auctioneer of the high stakes fundraiser
for Martha's Vineyard Community Services.
West Tisbury Stays in District, Approves Spending Increases
By CHRIS BURRELL
In the end, it was all about distrusting the numbers. Against a
backdrop of confusion over whether exiting the Up-Island Regional School
District would save money or cost money, West Tisbury voters this week
demanded an independent cost analysis.
In the first regulatory review under its own maiden government since
the superior court decision on sovereign immunity last year, the
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) this week permitted itself to
build a 6,500-square-foot community center off Black Brook Road in
Aquinnah.
The community center will be built around a wetland.
Island's Boat Line Representative Urges County Board to Focus
on Large Issues
By ALEXIS TONTI
Growing tensions at the Steamship Authority were exposed this week
as the Vineyard boat line governor delivered an impassioned speech
defending authority management and describing dysfunction among the
board of governors.
As Ad Plan Is Rejected, Chief Gives Fare Warning
By ALEXIS TONTI
After months spent sparring over the Steamship Authority's
controversial new marketing program, the boat line board of governors
yesterday effectively scrapped it.
At the monthly boat line meeting in Woods Hole, board members first
rejected a modest advertising policy developed by Vineyard SSA governor
Kathryn A. Roessel, then dismantled a second set of recommendations put
forth by management.
"The patient's dead," declared SSA chief executive
officer Fred C. Raskin.
Oak Bluffs Town Meeting Discussion Knocks Cronyism, Lauds Lean
Budget
By ALEXIS TONTI
The Oak Bluffs town meeting this week opened with a viewing of a new
tourism video, Oak Bluffs: Feel the Magic. As the wind lashed the trees
outside, residents were treated to visions of warm days and clear skies.
A voice-over gently reminded them Oak Bluffs is the place to be.
Then it was down to business.
Kerry Scott Wins Office as Incumbents Stumble in Key Oak Bluffs
Races
By CHRIS BURRELL
Signaling sweeping change in the political leadership of Oak Bluffs
and delivering major upsets, voters yesterday ousted three high-profile
incumbents.
Kerry Scott handily beat one-term selectman Todd Rebello by a margin
of 164 votes; the final tally was 776-612. Vincent Chestnut mustered
only 33 votes in the three-way race.
Linda Marinelli ended Joe Alosso's tenure on the board of
health, narrowly defeating him 721-662.
West Tisbury Voters Reelect John Early and Approve Eleven Override
Questions
By JULIA WELLS
Voters in West Tisbury stuck with the old ways and handed longtime
selectman John Early a tenth term in the annual town election yesterday.
Mr. Early, who was first elected 27 years ago and is the senior
selectman on the Vineyard, won easily over challenger Cynthia Riggs. The
final tally was 553-189.
As Date Nears for Gay Marriages, Planners of Weddings on Island See
Modest Impact
By MANDY LOCKE
Less than five weeks before Massachusetts town clerks start handing
out marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the Island's well-oiled
wedding machine is capturing little interest from gay couples planning
to tie the knot.
Town hall veteran Melissa Kuehne saved her job yesterday, winning the post of town collector by a margin of 165 votes.
Ms. Kuehne, currently the acting town collector, has worked in Edgartown financial offices for 18 years, and she got 508 votes.
Competitor Kimberly G. Kane, fellow town hall veteran and current town accountant, secured 192 votes, while political newcomer Maureen McManus-Hill clocked in with 343.
