Vineyard Steamship Authority governor and freshman board member James Malkin came under harsh criticism from his fellow governors Tuesday.
Vineyard Steamship Authority governor and freshman board member James Malkin came under harsh criticism from his fellow governors Tuesday over public comments he made last week about SSA finances, the Oak Bluffs pier and other boat line matters.
Nantucket governor Robert Ranney and New Bedford governor Moira Tierney lambasted Mr. Malkin for his comments, which were made at the Dukes County Commission meeting and in a followup interview, calling them “gross,” “reckless,” “wanton” and “irresponsible,” among other unfavorable terms.
Mr. Malkin later apologized for any misstatements he had made.
Speaking to the county commission at their meeting May 6, Mr. Malkin, who was appointed to the position in February, was openly critical of the handling by management of certain boat line matters, including the Oak Bluffs pier project, a video of the meeting shows. He also appeared to distance himself from the other four boat line governors, saying their interests were not necessarily the interests of the Vineyard, and he raised questions about the latest financial audit for the SSA, which he said was unavailable.
“I’ve asked for it and I will continue to ask for it,” Mr. Malkin told the county commission, speaking about the audit.
Speaking about the Oak Bluffs pier repair project, Mr. Malkin told the county commission that Ms. Tierney and Falmouth governor Kathryn Wilson were steadfastly against the project.
It later came to light that the SSA audits are routinely late, and on Tuesday Mr. Malkin corrected himself and apologized.
But governors wasted no time criticizing Mr. Malkin, suggesting that his statements had been particularly hurtful to SSA general manager Robert Davis and boat line treasurer Mark Rozum.
“I’m horrified by the light that you have placed both Mr. Davis and Mr. Rozum in,” Ms. Tierney told Mr. Malkin. “Their reputations have been hurt by your reckless comments.”
Mr. Ranney opened the meeting by reading a statement, saying he was “shocked and offended” by Mr. Malkin’s comments and that they left him “questioning whether the working camaraderie that the two Islands enjoyed together was in jeopardy.”
The Vineyard and Nantucket governors carry a weighted a majority vote on the board. For many years the two Islands, while not always in agreement, have had an amiable working relationship on the SSA board.
Mr. Ranney took particular umbrage with Mr. Malkin’s characterization of the financial audit. He said the way Mr. Malkin raised the audit issue suggested wrongdoing that did not occur, fomented unmerited public concern about boat line management and cast the organization as a whole in a negative light.
“To come on this board as a new member, and immediately start lobbing bombshells suggesting even a hint of impropriety, and that by suggestion we are all party to it, before acquiring any meaningful understanding of the inner workings of the entire operation, only serves to fuel derisive public speculation, and is counterproductive to maintaining, or in some cases, regaining, public trust,” Mr. Ranney said.
Mr. Ranney and Ms. Tierney lashed out at Mr. Malkin for approximately 20 minutes, saying that it was more important than ever right now to offer support for management and not undermine faith in the boat line. Mr. Ranney said during his eight years as a governor, he had never found a problem with the boat line’s financial statements.
“The only fault I have found is the unrelenting dedication to follow the board’s directive, and to go above and beyond,” the Nantucket governor said.
Ms. Tierney — a frequent critic of boat line management herself — was also adamant in defending the integrity of Mr. Davis and other senior managers. She also took issue with Mr. Malkin’s characterization of her stance on the Oak Bluffs pier project, and questioned his trustworthiness.
“I resent the fact that you grossly mischaracterized my comments,” Ms. Tierney said. “I would ask you to refrain from making any representation in the future about what I do, or how I vote, or my positions, as you can’t be relied upon to report the same accurately.”
After the governors made their statements, and Ms. Wilson added some criticisms of her own, Mr. Malkin responded. He apologized for his mischaracterization of the governors’ stance on the Oak Bluffs project. He also said he never intended to suggest malfeasance with his statements about the audit.
“At no time was I suggesting or did I intend to suggest that things were hidden,” Mr. Malkin said. “The concern I had about audited statements has to do with my concern about our cash position and our need for more revenues.”
He thanked the governors for their criticisms, and said he hoped to move forward.
“I hear very loud and clear what has been said by the board members. I accept the constructive criticism, and I recognize that we do have to work as a board and we do have to support the SSA through this unprecedented time,” Mr. Malkin said.
“I appreciate the schooling and look forward to working well with the board and with management to fulfill the mission of the Steamship Authority.”
At an Oak Bluffs selectmen’s meeting later in the day, town leaders defended Mr. Malkin and his performance.
Mr. Malkin attended the meeting to provide an update on the Oak Bluffs pier repairs, which got a green light from the governors at the meeting.
“I know you took a lot of heat today, but just know we’re here to work with you, Jim, and assist you all the way,” selectman Michael Santoro said.
Selectman Greg Coogan told Mr. Malkin to “keep [his] chin up,” and that he was “doing a great job.” And Brian Packish, who has been an outspoken critic of the boat line and its management over the past month, thanked Mr. Malkin for his service and said the SSA board probably needed a little shake-up.
“Quite honestly, if everybody is sitting comfortably and they are in complete agreement with you over at the Steamship Authority board of governors, then I’m concerned you’re not working hard enough,” Mr. Packish said.
“So if you’ve managed to ruffle a few feathers, then quite honestly I say keep doing it, and stay the course.”
Comments
Thank you Mr. Malkin! We need
Carol OBThank you Mr. Malkin! We need a voice and someone like you !!
Thank u!!
Go get 'em Jim ! Time to
Gary AquinnahGo get 'em Jim ! Time to shake things up over there at the SSA. Time for someone to finally speak up! The old system IS broken time for change!
Don't be a wimp! It's not
JRC EdgartownDon't be a wimp! It's not "constructive criticism" - it's called censorship. Malkin: STAND UP!
Mr. Malkin,
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsMr. Malkin,
Thank you for speaking truth to the establishment, the SSA has a lot of room for improvement! I rode the MV this morning, first time off since March 10th. Many SSA workers had their masks around their necks, none practiced 6 feet distancing. SSA has to clean up its act in many ways.
It seems they can't handle
R Scott Patterson EdgartownIt seems they can't handle being asked to be accountable for their incompetence. Keep speaking truth to power Jim. It's been long overdue! Know that the people you represent appreciate it and will have your back.
Well done Jim! The other
bs Oak BluffsWell done Jim! The other members hate the fact the someone is rocking the boat. It's evident they are entrenched in the "old school" SSA operations. Mr. Davis is often made the scapegoat for the mismanagement of the SSA but ultimately the Board of Governors are directly responsible and perhaps now we can make them accountable.
The 2019 audited financials
Hadden Blair West TisburyThe 2019 audited financials should be available now. We are 4 1/2 months from the close of the year.
The SSA "Fiefdom" resents a
Thomas Hodgson WTThe SSA "Fiefdom" resents a new voice from outside? Shocking! Simply shocking! Malkin's remarks are harming the SSA reputation? Beg pardon, but...even without the Vineyard Rep having the gall to hold up a mirror, the SSA is doing a perfectly good with its own reputation, though "enhancing its notoriety" might be a more accurate turn of phrase. The SSA "pot" is now a-bubble on the stove of public opinion. Let's hope whatever the SSA is cooking up will be based on a newer and more palatable recipe.
They should be horrified at
Edgartownite EdgartownThey should be horrified at the position that Mr. Davis and his management team have put the SSA in.
“Their reputations have been
Doug Ruskin WEST TISBURY“Their reputations have been hurt by your reckless comments.”
Actually they have been hurt long before, by their actions, or perhaps inaction. Results are what matter.
The online audit report for
Peter West TisburyThe online audit report for fiscal 2017 ending 12/31/17 and fiscal 2018 ending 12/31/18 is dated February 4, 2020. This suggests that the next biennial audit will arrive around February 2022. An audit every two years arriving a year later is too late for effective control. Note also that the most recent Annual Report online is for 2017. No 2018. No 2019. Keep asking questions, Mr. Malkin. We have a right to know.
Thank you Jim. We appreciate
jon edgartownThank you Jim. We appreciate your willingness to stand up and shine a light on all the issues with the SSA. Don't let them bully you into complacency. We need you to keep standing up for us!!!
Oh my , Appears the good old
gina Menemsha/ NYCOh my , Appears the good old boy network doesn't like the "new Sheriff" in town.. Alarming the reaction to a few standard/basic questions. that in itself is pretty telling ..
#malkinstrong
Cyrus Ripley Old Saybrook#malkinstrong
Several are more concerned
Jane slater ChilmarkSeveral are more concerned about their reputation than our boat service...time to rock the boat...
Thank you Jim for all you are
BAU VHThank you Jim for speaking the truth!
The SSA and the board are not
Rob Lytle Oak BluffsThe SSA and the board are not who Mr Malkin represents. I appreciate his need to work with his colleagues, it’s important. But the board should not under estimate the deep lack of trust and confidence that the Vineyard currently has for the SSA management and management level operational competence. The board needs to respond or risk this becoming a very messy and public spotlight.
The provider of the island
Local MVYThe provider of the island communities’ most vital service continually demonstrates that the Authority’s charter/mandate needs to be rewritten to better reflect the needs and expectations of it’s residents who rely on it as a literal lifeline. We can all see the level of organizational dysfunction regularly well chronicled by journalists and cited by industry professionals in depth. If funded, it would make sense to require a change of charter to receive a Federal subsidy in order to best ensure the public isn’t throwing more money down the hole this situation continues to go down.
Malkin needs to keep pushing.
T Bone Oak BluffsMalkin needs to keep pushing. It's unacceptable that the annual audits are "routinely late". Ferries that breakdown, piers that are unsafe, ramps that break down. How is any of this acceptable? Ruin Davis's reputation? Give me a break. Go get 'em, Jim. You're on the right path. The rest of those board members have consistently given Davis stellar annual reviews. It's those board members that have damaged their own reputations.
SSA audits are routinely late
Andy Woods HoleSSA audits are routinely late? why have the Board of Governors allowed this? our interests may not be identical to the Vineyard's but we appreciate Mr Malkin's courage in taking on entrenched interests - please keep it up
Peer pressure to maintain the
Islander Too TisburyPeer pressure to maintain the status quo.
Very obvious rhetorical thunderstorm meant to put the person asking questions on the defensive and make him get back in line.
Really, a very disheartening performance on the part of the governors.
They have been caught sleeping while on watch duty. Malkin merely brings the bad news that the public notices the results of this and is becoming restive. Malkin represents us.
And it is worse than dishonest to use covid-19 shaming as a way to avoid accountability and transparency. Covid has NOTHING to do with late financial reports, bad decisions on ferry construction, not noticing a cable that is about to let go, and wasting millions of dollars on vanity construction projects and an unwanted new slip. The only thing that covid-19 has something to do with is enforcing necessary measures on the ferries such as mask wearing. And apparently the SSA is not doing that. Mask wearing by SSA crews might be considered analogous to the "broken windows" theory of policing. Small things stand in for bigger things. The buck stops in the top office in the brand-new building in the Palmer Avenue lot. And after him, the governors.
Thank you Mr. Malkin. It's
Gabrielle West TisburyThank you Mr. Malkin. It's really very revealing what they have reserved their outrage for...truly unprecedented.
Let's see if I understand the
OW OBLet's see if I understand the facts right. Mr. Malkin speaks the truth in public about the absence of an annual financial report for 2019 (he is entirely factually correct about there being no report; no one magically made one appear at this morning's meeting). But instead of joining Mr. Malkin to investigate why there is no financial report for 2019, other Board members lash out at Mr. Malkin.
Did I read a different
Eric VHDid I read a different article?, I agree Mr, Malkin should do his job and represent us to the best of his ability and we all know it is a difficult position to hold. But as Mr Malkin stated; "Mr. Malkin responded. He apologized for his mischaracterization of the governors stance on the Oak Bluffs project. He also said he never intended to suggest malfeasance with his statements about the audit." that is a problem as I read Mr Milkin's statemnts to the county board I was left to believe that criminal behavior may have been found out by Mr Milkin and that he alone was pursuing truth. No one is perfect but if you are to represent Martha's Vineyard and her needs and goals pertaining to the SSA one should be clear in their communication with us the islanders. And not after the fact take back statements and appear incompetent which could reduce our ability as a community to help direct future outcomes of the SSA.
During public comments I
Francine Agnoli EdgartownDuring public comments I brought up to the assembled group a request to consider some relief to Islanders in the form of reduced fares during this period (starting 5/14) where the rates are increased. Either maintaining the lower “off-season” rate for a period of time, or perhaps granting a few round trips at the lower rate so those folks who have postponed important off-island trips can now travel without the additional hardship of a more expensive ticket. I was told the board would consider discussing at the next meeting. I was encouraged!
Yes, thank you, Mr Malkin! We
Eugenie Kuffler Woods HoleYes, thank you, Mr Malkin! We all deserve to understand the SSA finances.
Thank you for standing up for
Thomas Bena ChilmarkThank you for standing up for our community!
Without being juvenile, “
Wes West TisburyWithout being juvenile, “ truth hurts,SSA!”
Jim is spot on about starting to consider the welfare of our island. The SSA is the first thing people coming by to the island experience, management by the SSA needs to get up to speed pronto!
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