News
Better cell phone coverage for up-Island towns appears still a way off, judging by the opposition to a proposed system voiced at a long and arduous meeting Monday night.
Aesthetic, financial and health topped the list of concerns over a pitch from American Tower Corporation, a Boston-based company which won a bid late last year to build a distributed antenna system for the three rural towns. Cell phone coverage up-Island ranges from spotty to nonexistent.
The Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard awarded $11,730 in grants this spring to 12 nonprofit organizations on the Island. Debbie Hale, chairman of the Permanent Endowment, said in a statement: “Certainly our financial resources have been affected by declines in the market. But our mission remains the same — to help efforts to better life on the Island through funding for the arts, education, the elderly, the environment, health and human services, housing and youth.”
An attempt to hike Aquinnah commercial shellfish licenses from $200 to $1,000, to help fund an apparent six-figure shortfall in the town budget, sparked outrage in the fishing community this week.
The Oak Bluffs annual town election is active this year with four key contests. Five candidates are running for two seats on the board of selectmen; three candidates are running for one seat on the school committee; two candidates are running for a seat on the water commission; and two candidates are competing for town moderator.
The election is next Thursday at the town public library. Polling hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In a repeat of sorts of a hotly contested race three years ago for West Tisbury assessor, longtime incumbent Michael Colaneri will face once again a challenge from Jonathan Revere in next week’s annual town election. Voters also will choose between Tara J. Whiting and Jemima James to replace outgoing town clerk Prudence Whiting, who is retiring after 12 years.
In the only other contested race, four candidates — Sarah Carr, Harvey Garneau, Melissa Hackney and Isaac Russell — are contesting two three-year terms on the library board of trustees.
A warrant long on articles but short on controversy awaits voters at Edgartown annual town meeting Tuesday.
Voters will be asked to approve a $26 million operating budget for the coming fiscal year along with a legion 53 warrant articles. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Old Whaling Church; moderator Philip (Jeff) Norton Jr. will preside.
Selectman Arthur Smadbeck credited early and conscientious work of town departments for the lack of fuss on the warrant this year.