In West Tisbury, the board of assessors decides not to mediate a tax appeal, landing the town in an extended slugfest at the state level that has y

Testing Strength in Government

Analyzing Trends Across Island as Legal Disputes Increase; Citizens Debate Causes, Leaders Take Stock

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

In West Tisbury, the board of assessors decides not to mediate a tax appeal, landing the town in an extended slugfest at the state level that has yet to conclude.

In Oak Bluffs, residents complain about what they see as a lack of responsiveness from the building department and the zoning board of appeals.

County Weighs Legal Choices

Commission, Advisors Huddle in Aftermath of Court Ruling Ordering Triple Damages; Appeal Still Possible

By JAMES KINSELLA

Still reeling from a heavy blow dealt by a superior court judge last week in a civil dispute with its own airport commission, the Dukes County commission this week began to ponder the next steps.

Two weeks ago the Hon. Robert J. Bohn ruled that the Martha's Vineyard Airport Commission is by law vested with independent authority to hire and set the salaries of its airport managers.

Court Rules County Must Pay Triple Damages, Attorney Fees

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Dealing a potentially crushing blow to Dukes County government, a superior court judge has ruled that the Martha's Vineyard airport commission is by law vested with independent authority to hire and set the salaries of its airport managers.

Boat Line Eyes Changes at Oak Bluffs Terminal; Town Hall Deal in Doubt

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

HYANNIS - Steamship Authority governors said yesterday that the boat line may now revise the Oak Bluffs terminal reconstruction project, including possibly dropping plans to relocate the ticket office to the former town hall off Sea View avenue.