SSA Debate Spits Islands

Stormy Waters

By JULIA WELLS

Gazette Senior Writer

Calling a virtual mandate from some 800 people on Nantucket uninformed, Vineyard Steamship Authority governor and board chairman J.B. Riggs Parker said last week that he will press ahead with the ambitious new service model for the public boat line.

"I believe I am not informed enough to make a statement on these issues, and if I am not informed, it would be unusual to conclude that communities as a whole are informed," declared Mr. Parker.

New Bedford Run Fails

No on License

By JULIA WELLS

Gazette Senior Writer

Steamship Authority governors voted without dissent last week to deny a license application from a private freight hauler to run year-round service between New Bedford and the two Islands.

"Our focus clearly needs to remain on providing for the Islands," said SSA general counsel Steven Sayers. Mr. Sayers was point man in the staff recommendation to deny the license application from Seabulk International Inc.

The Aquinnah building inspector filed a lawsuit this week against the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to test the question of whether the tribe must follow local zoning rules.

"A genuine controversy exists on this issue requiring judicial guidance," wrote Aquinnah town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport in the complaint.

There is good news on the Vineyard Haven waterfront. Douglas Rock, an extremely dangerous hazard to navigation, has - finally - been marked.

The rock, as big as a Volkswagen Bug and close to the surface in waters off West Chop, is now identifiable by a tall spile and sign that says: "Rocks."

The marking brings closure to a struggle that has gone on for years.

SSA Problems and Rate Hikes

By JULIA WELLS

Steamship Authority governors will be asked this morning to consider a mid-season fare hike, as the boat line faces escalating costs from legal bills, rising debt and projected operating losses on the new ferry run between New Bedford and the Vineyard this summer.

The proposed fare hike is set for discussion only; no vote is planned until next month. If it is approved, passenger fares and the popular auto excursion fares for Island residents will all go up.

Job Fair Seeks Placement for School Students

By KATHERINE WILEY

Maura Dickson needs a job.

So Wednesday afternoon she went to the high school gymnasium to chat with area businesses who were taking part in a job fair.

"I'm looking for a summer job because it's really hard to find a job at this time of year. All of the college kids call up," the high school senior said.

So she slowly made her way around the tables that lined the gym, picking up applications and asking questions.