Union Dispute Is Still Stalled

Steamship Authority Managers Leave Last Offer on the Table; Vessel Workers Will Continue Under Expired Contract

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Three days before Christmas, Steamship Authority management and the union that represents 230 unlicensed vessel workers remain locked in a protracted contract dispute, with no end in sight.

Some people crave the spotlight. Peter O. Bettencourt is not among them.

"Oh, God," Mr. Bettencourt muttered Monday, when Arthur Smadbeck, chairman of the Edgartown selectmen, let it be known that the selectmen had a memento of appreciation for their town administrator's nearly 40 years of full-time work for the town.

Vineyard SSA Governor Seeks Sweeping Review of License Agreements

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Alarmed by rising costs and falling ridership on Steamship Authority ferries, Vineyard boat line governor Marc Hanover yesterday called for a thorough review of SSA license agreements with private carriers.

"I'm not in favor of giving away one more seat," Mr. Hanover declared at the monthly boat line meeting in Woods Hole yesterday morning.

Winn Davis Mans Helm in Rocky Year for County

By JAMES KINSELLA

More than two years ago, the Dukes County commissioners hired a Falmouth man, E. Winn Davis, to manage county government.

Mr. Davis, who was then executive secretary for the town of Hanson, took on a position that had been a revolving door - and often a controversial one.

In 1995, the county hired its first full-time manager, a position created under the county charter approved by voters three years earlier.

Regional Government Challenged at Home

By JAMES KINSELLA

After nearly two decades, the vision still has appeal: a Dukes County government taking on and solving Vineyard problems.

It is a vision that has drawn the support of Islanders at the ballot box, and inspired resistance to Massachusetts legislative and gubernatorial moves to abolish county government.

Island residency proved the trump card for Sean Flynn, who was selected as manager of Martha's Vineyard Airport on Wednesday night in a 4-3 vote of the airport commission.