WSF director David Moseley and other state ferries officials met with Anacortes residents Wednesday night at the Senior Center, but I had a conflict and couldn't get there. But, I thought I'd relay an account of a meeting earlier in the day.

Moseley Wednesday met separately with Capt. Richard Rodriguez, who is a rescue tug captain and who blogs on matters maritime at BitterEnd. Here is Capt. Rodriguez' report:

First, let me say that I was leery about the meeting, as I though there would be a hidden agenda - there was not. I thought I might be asked about the source of several key commenters - I was not. Our meeting lasted about 45 minutes.

I found David to be truly interested, engaging, and concerned. His position is not one most would savor.

He did ask for my suggestions. Here's a sampling of the offerings I made:

• Don't allow WSF to be driven by special interests (political or community) and look towards long term solutions that will serve our needs 25 years down the road.
• Seek a Jones Act exemption for a vessel(s) that could make the Admiralty Inlet run until a Steel Electric replacement is built.
• Following the SW Airlines business model, move towards three classes of boats for the entire fleet.
• Work at creating a culture that invites participation from all stakeholders.
• Consider a public corporation that depoliticizes the WSF, on the lines of the Alaska Railroad Corporation.

A number of folks here believe that the issue is the MVET. If you lost about 25% of your income - that would be the issue too.

He did indicate that about 50% of his time is spent face to face with various stakeholders. Have been a non profit administrator for 24 years, I can tell you the importance of being available is a key to tell your story to a never ending parade of constituents.

While David doesn't come from a maritime background, I believe that he has quickly learned the issues that face the WSF. That said, I believe we are in better hands than we've been in for a while.