Oak Bluffs Results Were a Surprise - IS Healing of LONG Battle Under Way?

Oak Bluffs Results Were a Surprise - Is Healing of Long Battle
Under Way?

By Julia Wells

In Oak Bluffs the landscape has changed, and it's not just the
daffodils and day lilies. In this seaside town of honky tonk and
gingerbread and emerald parks, the landscape of local politics has also
suddenly changed.

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As Aquinnah Struggles, Pact with Tribe Recalled

As Aquinnah Struggles, Pact with Tribe Recalled

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The agreement grew out of formal mediation and was signed in 1994
during one of the most heated debates in the history of the town, but
today it is a forgotten document, the details fuzzy and faded, even in
the memories of the people who signed it.

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Steamship Authority at a Crossroads; Dramatic meetings on Two Islands

Nantucket Launches Study

By JULIA WELLS

Marking a painful new chapter in the checkered history of the
Steamship Authority, the people of Nantucket voted, without dissent, at
a public meeting this week to launch a formal study of whether to secede
from the boat line which has been their lifeline for over four decades.

The study will be privately funded and led by a private group that
was spearheaded by Nantucket SSA governor Grace Grossman and port
council member Flint Ranney.

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SSA Leaders Pick up the Telephone: Fixing the Phones

Interim Director of SSA Says Boat Line Will Work First to Fix
Reservations System

By JULIA WELLS

The improvements started yesterday.

This was the word from Steamship Authority acting general manager
Wayne Lamson, who said an array of changes are now under way aimed at
improving the telephone reservations system at the boat line. The
improvements include a change in operating hours at the central
reservations bureau in Mashpee, and a number of changes in the automated
telephone answering system.

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MVC Powers Eyed by Court

MVC Powers Eyed by Court

Did the Commission Correctly Act in Refusing Gas Station? Is There
‘Tunnel Vision'? Judge Will Decide

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The unique power of the Martha's Vineyard Commission to hear
evidence, weigh facts and use judgment in deciding whether to approve or
deny development projects went on trial last week in the Tisbury Fuel
Services case, which will now go to a superior court judge for a
decision.

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Ferry Riders Learn to Measure SUVs, and Caution Boat Line on Marketing

Sixteen Feet Is the Magic Length for Determining Extra Ferry Fee

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

New Year's note to travelers who drive their cars on Steamship
Authority ferries: Do you know how long your automobile is?

If not, and the car is longer than 16 feet - welcome to 2004,
and please get out your wallet.

New rules went into effect at the boat line on Jan. 1, among them a
rule that imposes an extra fee on cars and trucks that are over 16 feet
in length.

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Boatline Interim Manager Will Tackle Reservations and Ticketing Problems

Boatline Interim Manager Will Tackle Reservations and Ticketing
Problems

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

HYANNIS - Steamship Authority governors bid a quick adieu to
chief executive officer Fred C. Raskin and voted without dissent
yesterday to name Wayne Lamson, their longtime treasurer, as interim
general manager for the next four months.

"Wayne, it's a pleasure, thank you," said
Barnstable governor and board chairman Robert O'Brien during the
monthly boat line meeting held here yesterday morning.

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Boat Line Chief Triggers Contract Talks

Boat Line Chief Triggers Contract Talks

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

A gnarly two-year struggle over issues of governance and lines of
authority came to a new head last week when Steamship Authority chief
executive officer Fred C. Raskin launched a process that may lead to his
resignation - and a hefty severance deal to boot.

Mr. Raskin gave written notice to the boat line board last week that
he intends to terminate what is called a readjustment period under the
complicated terms of his contract.

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Hospital Leaders Aim for No-Debt Financing

Hospital Leaders Aim for No-Debt Financing

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By JULIA WELLS

All fund raising, no debt. This was the message from leaders at the
Martha's Vineyard Hospital this week when they hosted a forum to
update the public on plans to build a new hospital.

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Don't Start Cutting, Developers Warned

Don't Start Cutting, Developers Warned

Kupersmith's Attorney, Vowing Defiance of Cease and Desist
Order, Is Told Criminal Charges Could Come

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Attorneys for the Down Island Golf Club have clashed head-on with
top state environmental officials, declaring bluntly that the developers
will not comply with the recent cease and desist order in the southern
woodlands.

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