<p>Marc Hanover this week strongly refuted an online petition that has been circulating over rate increases that took effect early this month. As of Thursday, 2,846 people had signed the petition posted on MoveOn.org.</p>
The Vineyard Steamship Authority governor on Wednesday strongly refuted an online petition that has been circulating over rate increases that took effect early this month.
As of yesterday, 2,846 people had signed the petition created Jan. 1 and posted on MoveOn.org. The petition asks for repeal or suspension of the rate increases given the recent decline in fuel prices.
At a meeting of the Dukes County Commission Wednesday, boat line governor Marc Hanover reacted to the suggestion made in recent letters to the editor that the SSA has a multi-million-dollar surplus.
County commissioner Tristan Israel: “The petition is showing people’s frustration and I can relate to that.”
County commissioner Tristan Israel: “The petition is showing people’s frustration and I can relate to that.”
“These statements are irresponsible, ridiculous,” he said. “If any of this were true, you would have been well aware of it already. It angers me that somebody can just go out and make false statement like this.”
A small group of petitioners also attended the meeting.
Mr. Hanover explained that by statute, if any Steamship Authority funds are left over at the end of a budget cycle, they must be reappropriated for other projects.
“There are no stockholders, there are no bonuses to management,” he said.
The rate increases include $2 for round-trip excursion fares, 50 cents for adult passengers, and $3 for parking fees at the two Falmouth lots. Mr. Hanover also refuted claims that the increases were meant to target Island residents. “It’s for everybody that goes on the boat,” he said.
Referring to the approximately $10 million budgeted for fuel this year (as noted in the petition), Mr. Hanover said the company needed to protect itself from fluctuations in the market.
Other unforeseen costs this year included an extra $500,000 for new pilings in Tisbury and another $500,000 to meet EPA water quality standards. Mr. Hanover added that the company spends almost a million dollars every time it needs to fix its aging boat slips at the Woods Hole harbor.
Some county commissioners sympathized with the concern expressed by petitioners. “Sometimes ratepayers have to stand up and say enough is enough,” said Tristan Israel, who is also a Tisbury selectman. While not directly challenging Mr. Hanover’s statements, he said he believed that “the message is a good message to the Steamship Authority.”
“The petition is showing people’s frustration and I can relate to that,” Mr. Israel said. He added that he would like to see more SSA-related jobs on the Island.
There was general agreement that communication could be improved between the boat line and the public. The company holds public meetings throughout the year, including two meetings a year on each of the Islands. Most off-season meetings are held in Woods Hole. Mr. Hanover pointed out that fares can be waived for Island residents attending the meetings on the Cape. But he said few Islanders attend SSA meetings these days.
Petitioner Tom Hodgson (at right) said the SSA needs to improve communication with Islanders.
Petitioner Tom Hodgson (at right) said the SSA needs to improve communication with Islanders.
“We’re out there, and we would like more public input,” he said. At the request of commissioner Leonard Jason Jr., he readily agreed to having an additional public meeting this year at the regional high school, although a date was not immediately set.
Turning to the issue of communication, Mr. Hanover agreed that the internet technology at the Steamship Authority is “very poor,” and said the company is working to address the problem. County commissioner Gretchen Tucker Underwood noted that the recent petition was circulated on Facebook; she suggested that the Steamship Authority take a similar approach to public outreach, an idea that Mr. Hanover embraced.
Thomas Hodgson, a West Tisbury resident, said he had read all 280 pages of the petition and that the comments it includes reflected “incredible ignorance about what the Steamship Authority is, how it’s run, who to speak to.” He said addressing that problem would require the company doing a better job of public outreach.
Marie Laursen, speaking on behalf of people who signed the petition, said the rate increases were in addition to “colossal energy increases and electric bills.” She asked that they be suspended until the long-term effect of the Steamship Authority’s several capital projects is better understood. “People are worried about the price of those projects,” she said.
In regard to at least one project, the new Woods Hole terminal, Mr. Hanover said he would not vote to support the $62 million option that Ms. Laursen cited. “That’s very high,” he said. He said the main concern for the Woods Hole facility was the need for new boat slips within the next four or five years.
In other business on Wednesday, Dukes County clerk of courts Joseph Sollitto swore in the seven county commissioners for their new terms, along with county treasurer Noreen Mavro Flanders. Mr. Jason stepped down as chairman and the commissioners unanimously appointed Leon Brathwaite as his successor. They also voted unanimously to appoint Christine Todd as vice chairman.
Commissioner David Holway praised Mr. Jason for his leadership on the committee and the commissioners joined in a round of applause.
Comments
Almost three thousand people
TOM HODGSON west tisburyAlmost three thousand people have now signed the petition. I can understand how Marc Hanover might feel upset at the "irresponsible and ridiculous" statements have been made about the current SSA mess. My point to him at the meeting was that the statements he was upset about are statements that come not from ill will, but from ignorance. Ignorance is usually curable with a simple dose of information, if the patient is willing to listen. Almost all of the signers are local, with a good sprinkling of summer people. The bulk of the comments on the petition are on the order of "these ferry rates are killing us!". Other comments, such as one from a man who can not afford to get off-island to care for his sick and aged mother, will break your heart. Many are upset at the poor communication from the steamship authority. Their upset is justifiable. The past actions of the SSA demonstrate that as a body, they would prefer to do business with little public input. Because of this, their image has suffered, and people are angry. There are plenty of able people of good will in the community, and there are plenty of able people of good will in the SSA. The problem of "how to get a well-run, economical, adequate, and publicly appreciated" SSA is solvable.
Mr. Hanover the petition is
VeryAnnoyed Vineyard HavenMr. Hanover the petition is the free will of the people who are tired of the SSA raising rates in order to balance its budget. I cannot raise my salary for my budget increases (ie electric bill), I cut spending and reorganize my financial situation. The petitioners are basically asking the SSA to reorganize and think outside the box with its financial matters. In regards to Islanders attending meetings; I do not know that the fare could be waived if you attended the WH meetings. Why islanders are not attending the meetings? Probably because we are working during the day and cannot get time off to attend. The meeting times are not user friendly for the working class islanders. I am disappointed, you are basically a YES man!
Sent too late for publication
TOM HODGSON West TisburySent too late for publication in the paper. Here is the letter you would have seen in print had I been a bit more prompt.
To the Editor,
The SSA needs to hear from you. Thousands of people have recently signed a petition asking for a rollback of ferry rates. These rates are the tip of an iceberg.
The Steamship Authority is very near to spending as much as seventy million dollars on a complete rebuilding of the Woods Hole terminal and the moving of their executive and maintenance headquarters.
This costly proposal is not like a ferry, a productive asset which collects fares from those who travel on it. The money spent on the new terminal will in large part be unproductive in terms of revenue, and will add to SSA debt and to SSA overhead. Ferry users will have to pay, to pay back the debt that the SSA will take on for this project. Rates will surely rise.
The SSA needs to go back to the drawing board, and return to us with plans that are economical, modest, and simple. The SSA enabling act charges the Authority with providing "adequate" transportation for people and goods. The current proposals are far more than adequate. They are excessive.
Please contact the SSA, your local SSA representative, and come to the SSA meeting in Woods Hole this coming Tuesday, at the Candle House on 127 Water Street. After you get off the boat, head past the drawbridge, and look for the stone building with a model boat sticking out over the street side.
Passage on the ferry is free to anyone attending the meeting. Go to the Vineyard Haven ticket counter, ask for comp passenger tickets to allow you to attend the SSA Board Meeting. You will be asked to give your name in order to receive tickets.
Sincerely,
Thomas Hodgson
I love to be there but it is
VeryAnnoyed Vineyard HavenI love to be there but it is at 9:30 AM when I am at work!
I am angry at all of the
angryI am angry at all of the ignorant people who use the ferry and who complain about the fare hikes. There are thousands of them who signed and thousands more who have not signed but who are angry, but that does not make them right. It just shows their ignorance. There is a need to get every vehicle that wants to ride around on the Vineyard there, and the SSA is in responsible for that need and if the residents want to complain, they should take it to their representative.
Looks like a no win situation
Ken EdgarrtownLooks like a no win situation. Even Marc Hanover says if there is a surplus it must be spent on other projects. Typical government mentality.. no way the private sector would think that way, it would cut costs to its customers.
The list of upcoming projects
George Stein EdgartownThe list of upcoming projects is quite clear. A private firm generally will look to cover capital costs than lower price for a short period of time.
Diseconomy's of scale - way
Really? Oak BluffsDiseconomy's of scale - way too much management. If you want to make the terminal more pleasing to visitors, just paint it. Fix your web site and no one needs to go in the Terminal.
I remember those days. For
Ken EdgartownI remember those days. For decades you wanted to stay dry in VH you went into a shop. I spent alot of time in the book store.
My opinion from the recent
John Alley West TisburyMy opinion from the recent Count Commissioners meeting attended by our Governor was that the SSA "had dropped the ball" when it came to providing information to Islanders. Something that Mark agreed to and he promised more information. Tom Hodgson summed it up well when he said ". Ignorance is usually curable with a simple dose of information, if the patient is willing to listen"
What bothers me most is the
Michael West Vineyard HavenWhat bothers me most is the disproportionate burden the rate increases force on islanders who must travel back and forth frequently, while generally more affluent summer visitors need only come and go much less frequently, perhaps only once back and forth. If these rate increases had been offset by a fare decrease for islanders' cars or ticket books, it might have been more acceptable.
Why should islanders bear a disproportionate share, individually, of these revenue increases?
Makes no sense to me. It's just plain unfair.
Me Hanover is mis leading all
Todd Rebello Oak BluffsMe Hanover is mis leading all of us. He sites that there is no huge surplus. It's a half truth. It was he who was reported calling it a wind fall last week. The half truth is that he wants to incorporate these surplus fuel monies into the whole budget and The SSA will find ways to spend those monies. The truth is the fuel budget line item is nearly $10 million and that line item is going to have a multi million dollar surplus. If your town had the same budget line item windfall ( mr. Hanover's words ) that money would come back to us. They want it to fall to the free cash fund and keep the right to spend it within the fiscal year thus saying there is no surplus. "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should" think about it
Mr. Hanover needs to be
Mr truth Oak bluffsMr. Hanover needs to be reminded that he represents us to the steamship authority NOT the other way around. Time to replace him
The SSA is missing a a few
Frustrated Vineyard HavenThe SSA is missing a a few huge points. They provide a service to us, but they don't want to hear what we would find helpful. The hundreds of thousands of tourists that come here CAN afford a rate increase... so why not add our $2/3 increase to their ticket? Why is the SSA holding meetings when working Vineyarders cannot attend? Why hasn't the SSA drafted a survey if they can't arrange meetings we can attend? The SSA takes advantage of our necessity of boat travel and that is just wrong. It's time they adopted a "Vineyard mentality." Marc Hanover needs to leave. He does not ask for our input, and puts us down instead of informing us with legitimate information. He is no "representative" for us.
I would like to see a more Vineyard friendly Steamship Authority. Where our voices matter. Where our representative holds meetings to get our input and goes back to the SSA with our input. I'd love to see some fun put into the business... how about a drawing for 1 free year of passage? How about a more friendly summer excursion rate? How about a customer appreciation day? How about anything that would show us Vineyarders that they care?
They DON"T care because they
Coach Billy EdgartownThey DON"T care because they don't have to care. We have no options. Sad, but a fact.
Some here are calling for
TOM HODGSON wtSome here are calling for Marc Hanover's head. Have you taken the time to contact him? I believe that Mr. Hanover is a reasonable man, and is willing to listen to Islanders and to represent our interests. The Steamship Authority has a comments/suggestion access point on line. Try using it. Particularly if you cannot attend the meeting in Woods Hole at 9:30AM next Tuesday. https://www.steamshipauthority.com/about/contact
I do not see the same moral
Laurence Vaughn TisburyI do not see the same moral outrage over the Vineyard Transit authority having 20% to 25% fare increases, this year on annual passes, which in the course of two years have increased from $100 to $120 in 2014 to $140 for 2015. The fares increased from $1 per town to $1.25 per town for non pass holders. The increases in cost from the SSA are pretty slight, especially when you look at the percentage change in cost.
I have a few thoughts I would
Cooky NevinI have a few thoughts I would to share. The SSA is our life line and it was created to serve the needs of the Inhabitants of the Islands. It's clearly not serving a large segment of the local population very well so maybe its time we collectively look at this problem as a whole & then see where might be the best place to begin to put our energy to address it.
Im not sure I fully understand the organizational structure of the SSA and I don't think most local people do) so maybe the SSA could start with clearly and fully explaining the structure and making it fully available to all Island Residents in a similar way that each Town makes a copy of the Zoning By-Laws available to the public.
Secondly, The statement in the article that all excess funds must be spent on other projects rather than returned ...This is curious. Again, To be fair this rule may have been created for very good reasons at a particular point in time but it's seems really out of place in today's economy and the fact that it appears to be a non negotiable item is deeply troubling since this is in direct conflict w the very idea of serving the needs of the Inhabitants. I think the SSA needs to take some of those excess funds and start printing up the educational information and get it to the public ASAP. After a clear and thorough understanding, then the public can decide if it's time for a little legislative overhaul starting w how excess funds are handled.
I love when they say very few
jack oak bluffsI love when they say very few islanders show up to the meetings. well, like the person who made that statement most islanders who pay taxes work during the hours they have those meetings. Also, if they have money to reinvest in capital projects, then by definition they have a surplus as the gentleman speaking said that all surplus must be reinvested. We may be ignorant of the intricacies of the SSA, but we are not ignorant about simple math and we definitely know when we're being hosed. In the past rate increases were almost always justified by fuel costs. The landscape of oil has permanently changed and although there will be fluctuations, it is doubtful that given our own increasing domestic production, oil prices will again reach the previous highs of over $100 a barrel. And if they do, hey! that's when you request a rate increase. Also, the capital improvements on the new WH building should be publicly reviewed by the Islands' ignorant builders and contractors and general public alike. Increasing your prices will increase all prices on this island without equivalent increase in wages. Ignorant or not, can the SSA appreciate the impact it has on the lives of islanders?
Raising parking fares is
Boston Annie ChilmarkRaising parking fares is outrageous as well. My children can't come visit me for a weekend because it costs so much to park on the mainland. When they stay longer, it becomes more economical to bring their car over and that is impossible last minute in the summer. Aren't we trying to discourage cars from coming to the island? I agree, lower the cost of passenger books for residents and don't make it more expensive for us to go back to the mainland because we have to. i'm in favor of charging the tourists a little more.
maybe its time for a bridge
off islandermaybe its time for a bridge to the island , hell make it a toll bridge and say bye to the SSA.,
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