Beacon Hill Politics Endanger Outcome in Tax Case Dispute

By IAN FEIN

In a rush of political maneuvering that played out on Beacon Hill
this week, the chairman of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board on
Monday withdrew her name from consideration only two days before a
scheduled hearing on her reappointment to the post.

The uncertain fate of the chairman complicates the outcome of the
West Tisbury-Graham property tax case and raises the possibility that it
may have to be retried.

West Tisbury Reins in Costs for Next Year

By IAN FEIN

After reviewing the previous town budget last spring, the West
Tisbury finance committee authored a strong letter to selectmen warning
that the rapid growth of town spending was not sustainable.

It appears the town may have stemmed the tide.

Tisbury Faces $17.6 Million Budget

By MAX HART

No overrides. No surprises. No worries?

That seems to be the general consensus regarding Tisbury's
nearly $17.6 million operating budget for the fiscal year starting July
1. Abating insurance costs, stabilized debt payments and a little help
from Tisbury's embarkation fee funds all helped keep the budget to
a manageable 5.3 per cent increase over last year.

The annual town meeting is scheduled for April 4.

Oak Bluffs voters next month will take up a balanced budget of just
under $21.8 million for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Fourth in a series of profiles leading up to the West Tisbury
election.

West Tisbury resident Jonathan Revere says he is a direct descendent
of a brother of Paul Revere. A biographer of the Revolutionary War hero
once noted that his brothers "stayed out of politics, trouble and
history."

Clearly Jonathan Revere does not take after his forebear.

Creative Streak: Students Excel in School's Growing Art
Program

By MAX HART

In 1991, students enrolled in one of the few art classes taught at
the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School had only one place to
go.

Edgartown Weighs Merits of Water Contract Request

By JAMES KINSELLA

Edgartown water superintendent Fred Domont earlier this year sought
a salary of $100,000, but saw his request rejected by the board of
selectmen.

The Edgartown board of water commissioners, the elected board to
which Mr. Domont reports, backed the salary request, which would have
represented an increase of almost 40 per cent from his current pay.

Edgartown Requests $22.7 Million Budget

By JAMES KINSELLA

Town officials will ask Edgartown voters next month to approve a
$22.7 million operating budget for the coming fiscal year.

The proposed budget represents an increase of $885,025, or 4.1 per
cent, over the current budget.

Voters also will be asked to allow the town to borrow up to
$1,965,000 to help fund a new public water well near Pennywise Path and
a new fire truck. The proposed borrowing would include $1.5 million for
the well and $465,000 for the truck.

Court Upholds MVC Decision

Judge Supports Regional Agency Against Tisbury Fuel Service in First
Trial for Commission; Developers Vow to Appeal

By IAN FEIN

A superior court judge last week upheld the unique power and
regulatory authority of the Martha's Vineyard Commission, ruling
alongside the regional planning agency in an appeal from the developers
of a proposed Vineyard Haven gas station.

County Names Four to Board

Airport Commission Appointments Are Made After Several Months of
Turnover and Uncertainty; Legal Questions Remain

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

In an anticlimactic meeting, the Dukes County commissioners
Wednesday appointed four new members to the Martha's Vineyard
Airport commission, the entity that the commissioners have battled for
years.