Selectmen Support Tough Moped Laws

All-Island Selectmen Association Hears Emotional Appeal
To Pressure Boston to End Carnage on Island Roads

By JOSHUA SABATINI

After listening to a presentation by Sam Feldman of the Mopeds Are Dangerous Committee, the All-Island Selectmen Association unanimously decided to support legislation that would require a motorcycle license to rent a moped.

Work began on the fire breaks in the Manuel F. Corellus State Forest this week, with the blessing of the state attorney general but over the protests of a watchdog group which promises to seek a court injunction today.

Island Leaders Act to Block Decisions on Fast Ferry Service to New Bedford

By JULIA WELLS and JOSHUA SABATINI

In an unexpected move that marks a new turn in the road for the Steamship Authority, the All-Island Selectmen's Association voted without dissent this week to tell the Vineyard boat line governor to put the brakes on plans for high-speed ferry service between New Bedford and the Vineyard.

Justice System Often Fails in Rape Cases

By MANDY LOCKE

When asked about their experiences with the criminal justice system, the women paused and then broke the silence with strained laughter.

For the four sexual assault and rape survivors who offered their stories to the Gazette with the promise of anonymity, their hesitation to proceed through the courts - or their frustrating experiences once involved in the system - force these women to find meaning and resolution outside the criminal justice system.

The county manager and the chief executive officer at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital scrambled to contain the damage this week after the surprise revelation last week that the county will collect a $50,000 fee on an unusual contract that will funnel some $500,000 in taxpayer money into the hospital.

The taxpayer money is intended to help defray the cost of emergency services at the hospital.

The 129-foot Freedom topsail schooner Amistad was the celebrated guest of the Vineyard community this weekend, and will be back for another visit. Capt. William (Bill) Pinkney said on Sunday the community welcome received by the ship and her crew went beyond everyone's expectations. As a result, they hope to return.

"The response here was just exceptional," the captain said.