Friends of Guemes Island is open to all persons for the purpose of supporting the preservation of the rural character of the island, its sense of community, a sustainable lifestyle, and the planning for change in open and approved processes. |
A Response to Our Insert In The Evening Star FGI placed an insert into the October edition of the Evening Star, raising concerns about the costs of extending ferry service into weekday evenings. Gayle Ashbach's response is posted here with her permission.
September 30, 2005 To the “Friends of Guemes Island” Re: Your recent insert in The Evening Star So, you are Friends of Guemes Island. Well, I love Guemes, also. I love it’s natural beauty, the casual friendliness of the majority of it’s people. I love to visit there. I have been eager to contribute to the island in every way possible. That has been difficult to do, since the current ferry service does not allow me to live on Guemes, at least for another 10 years or so. My husband lived his entire young life there and it is home to him. He spreads his generosity throughout the island. His grandparents came to Guemes in 1926. I have a problem with the fact that it is obvious that your group does not care at all about those of us who own property on Guemes, love it there, but do not have reasonable access to it. We pay the same taxes you do. We have always contributed to the community and supported the businesses on Guemes. I am very proud to say that Commissioner Ted Anderson is my brother, and I take offense at the personal attack on him. I guess Islanders who wanted the store have forgotten how hard he fought to support the Andersons in their effort. I know that his integrity will remain intact, although Islanders have treated him in a despicable and childish manner. I know that he carefully studies all sides of any issue before making a decision. Guemes Islanders are no more important than any other people in our County although I’m reluctantly beginning to agree with all the letter writers who put forth the kingdom -moat analogy. The job of the Commissioners is to provide transportation for all Skagitonians in as responsible and safe way as possible. All Skagitonians. The ferry service is extremely expensive and we all know that to be true. The rate increases should have come long ago. They still do not even begin to cover ferry costs. I can not imagine asking others to subsidize my use of the ferry as much as they have in the past. Others who may not have the resources that I do. The rhetoric from a very vocal small group of Islanders is beginning to sound a bit hysterical. The bottom line seems to be that you have a group who wants zero growth and to achieve that end, you want very limited ferry hours, to retain the single aquifer designation which could easily have been solved by the PUD and ferry service that you design and you don’t want to pay for. Am I reading you correctly? It is worrisome that this group seems to be losing objectivity and the ability to mediate and compromise which is how most issues of any importance are settled. It is my suggestion that each of you step back a few steps and do some thinking on your own, without the input of others who may have a personal agenda. I was pleased to see some very responsible names on the list of board members, and it is my hope that they will be able to overcome the hysterical atmosphere that is now pervading the ferry and growth issues. Sincerely, Gayle and David Ashbach
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Guemes SubArea Planning Committee Recognized by County Commissioners |
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Visit LineTime.org for information on Guemes Island and its community. |
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