(Mary Sevilla photo)
Mayor Dean Maxwell was among those who spoke recently at a rally on the steps of the state capitol aimed at saving the ferry system. Maxwell was there specifically to support the Anacortes-to-Sidney, BC ferry run.
Maxwell wrote, after last Wednesday’s rally, “My message was that we do have our legislative contingent working hard to preserve these wonderful ferry runs here in our state.”
Maxwell continued “I was able to say thanks to a number of Eastern Washington Legislators who have come out in a strong way supporting the International Ferry Run to Sidney.”
The Governor is proposing ending the Sidney run as part of her cost-cutting measures to reduce an anticipated $8 billion budget deficit next year.
Some rally participants brought with them a proposal for how to fund ferries into the future while saving money.
One speaker suggested that the ferry system is a big tourist draw. “I’ve never met anyone who said they came to Washington state because they wanted to drive on I-5,” said said state Sen. Kevin Ranker.
After the rally, Maxwell’s gave this advice, “Stay engaged, look for partnerships and opportunities and hopefully we will find solutions to the immense budget problems we face as a state.”
And, he added, “I will not rest easy until this legislative session is over and we know for sure that we have been able to save this ferry run."