Vineyard Democrats broke ranks with the rest of the commonwealth this week, throwing their support to former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich over state treasurer Shannon P. O'Brien in the primary race for governor.

New Bedford Presses for Fast Ferries in First Expanded SSA Board Meeting

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

After a few scant minutes of statesmanship, the newly appointed Steamship Authority governor from New Bedford quickly changed tack yesterday, unveiling a surprise plan for fast ferry service between New Bedford and the Vineyard and mouthing an old sales pitch from last year.

The 57th annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby began Wednesday without a hitch. Brendan Langley, the weigh master, was dressed for the ordeal of weighing in each of the four species of fish: striped bass, bluefish, false albacore and bonito. When the weigh-in headquarters opened at 8 a.m. fishermen were already standing outside. In 15 minutes all four species of fish had made an appearance on the scale.

Cape Housing Plan Is Studied on the Island

By MANDY LOCKE

Island towns may be ready to learn a few lessons from a cousin across Nantucket Sound.

Two years ago, the town of Barnstable invited year-round residents who were hiding illegal apartments in basements, attics and in the backs of their houses to take advantage of town resources to get such residences up to code. The town offered a detailed plan to comply with local ordinances and a rehabilitation loan to swallow the cost of necessary upgrades.

Adelphia Breaches Contract with Island

Towns Charge Cable Television Giant with Failing to Deliver Payments for Community Access Channels

By JOSHUA SABATINI

Adelphia Communications, the nation's sixth largest cable operator, has breached the 10-year contract it signed with the six Island towns last year, says the Island's cable advisory committee.

County Drafts Plan to Boost Revenues on Real Estate Fees

By JOSHUA SABATINI

A funding plan, drafted by county manager Carol Borer, proposes a new method for Dukes County to receive significant revenue while providing tax relief to Island towns.

The plan hinges upon passing legislation that would allow the county to impose a one per cent fee on the gross sale price of all real estate transfers in Dukes County, made up of the six Island towns and Gosnold.