The public hearing was on an inter-island ferry run hours before the same officials held a public hearing in Anacortes.
Sharon Kivisto, of the San Juan Islander, covered that pubic hearing.
Ferry riders crowded around the tables in front of the closed galley area onboard the Evergreen State to listen to WSF Planning Director Ray Deardorf detail Washington State Ferries' "goal posts" - Plan A and Plan B.
Legislation mandated the ferry system: Maximize use of existing capacity, apply adaptive management strategies (reservation, transit enhancement, pricing) and deliver highest quality service at lowest possible cost. The January 16, 2009 public hearing was held as part of the public outreach portion of the process.
"The key challenge facing WSF is the lack of a reliable funding stream for capital expenses," Deardorf said. "Other challenges riders know are the fares have gone up. WSF has an aging asset base. The average age of the fleet is 34. This vessel is 55 years old. We like to retire vessels at age 60."
Dozens of islanders and a tourist commented during the public hearing as the ferry traveled among the islands. Regarding the proposal to drop the Sidney service, Terry Sanderson said, "Don't mention all the income the state receives from all the visitors. They are buying hotel rooms, meals."
Dan Zaehring said, " Both the legislative mandate and the report talk about taking each of the route sheds and treating them uniquely. There is a huge averaging out, commuters are considered non-discretionary and everything else is considered discretionary. A doctor's visit on the mainland is not discretionary."
Don Nixon brought up the subject of augmentation of public service. He asked if the public facilities would be available to private entities. "There is precedent to this- the Mosquito fleet. The idea of small boats serving very specific routes."
Robin Jacobsen speaking for the Visitor Bureau said, "One of the things we hear constantly from visitors is by the time they pay for parking and passenger fees they break even or it costs them money...The cost of doing business in is islands high. Very complicated picture in the islands. We are very different."
Carys Pruitt said the inter island ferry service is essential for both local businesses and school events. She reminded WSF officials, "You think we all are a bunch of rich people. We provide for the rich people. We cater to the rich people. We are their maids.
San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee member Rob deGravre said, "We call it the Sidney ferry, but 80 percent of its capacity serves domestic service...This is not about the Sidney run this is about the runs for this island."
County Councilmember Gene Knapp referred to state law. He said, "You must consider the impact on local communities. Plan B may violate state law. Plan A should be adopted as a minimum level of service."
Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce Director Lance Evans reiterated that as a ferry-dependent community the islands rely so heavily on ferries for getting on and off and getting merchandise on and off the islands. "A visitor in my just said 'What a treat it was to visit such a glorious part of the state.' Again a reduction in service starts to get us off kilter in that regard," he said.
Melissa said, "I live on San Juan Island and work for Island Hospital home health. Ferries are vital for us to get out to people."
Bob Gamble said, We have to keep a viable relatively frequent service." He drew laughs when he said if the system goes back to having ferries stopping at all islands and some drivers have to back on. "Some of them have never put their cars in reverse before. We'll have a whole lot longer dwell time."
A woman said, "We live in water world, when you cut our ferry service you are cutting our throats."
The sole tourist who spoke said, "I am a tourist. I'd just like to reinforce comments of people who live on the island. It is unrealistic to not have developed plan for growth of tourism."
Bob Maynard said, "I can't help but enthusiastically agree and endorse. This is an easy place to cut taxes and services. Can you find another duck to pluck? You are taking the easy shot at the smallest guy."
San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee Chair Ed Sutton said, "The key issue is vessel acquisition element. My friends at Vashon want to see what Plan A+ looks like."