On the surface, the four candidates running for the open seat on the Oak Bluffs board of selectmen in next week's special election share the same ideas on most of the major issues in recent town politics.

Herbert A. (Bert) Combra Jr., Kenneth DeBettencourt, Ronald DiOrio and David E. Morris Jr. are all vying for the single seat vacated when former selectman Michael Dutton stepped down to take over as town administrator.

Water Company Defends Pacts

Commission Chairman Speaks About Contracts and Practices in an Interview with Gazette Before Closed-Door Session

By MAX HART

Tisbury selectmen and water commissioners met behind closed doors on Tuesday night to try to resolve a dispute over personnel contracts and operating practices that has created a deep rift between the two town departments.

Island Melts Beneath Heat Wave as Temperatures Push Near 100

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

Temperatures on the Vineyard climbed into the mid-nineties this week, as the Island joined the rest of the Northeast in staggering under an oppressive three-day heat wave that was forecast to break last night. A high temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded Wednesday at the National Weather Service Cooperative Station in Edgartown.

The Massachusetts house of representatives dealt a crippling blow to Vineyard affordable housing advocates last week, voting 91-64 on Thursday to d

Private Ferry Companies Draw Increasing Share of Passengers

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

The popularity of Steamship Authority ferries with trucks continues to grow.

But the number of people riding the Authority ferries compared with last year is essentially flat. The number of automobiles, which the boat line defines as including sport utility vehicles, has dipped a bit.

Deadlines of All Kinds Loom for State Attorney General

By MAX HART

With less than two months to go before the state primary and only minutes before he is due at a political fundraiser, Massachusetts attorney general and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Thomas F. Reilly is more worried about his next 24 hours as a Red Sox fan.

"Any trades yet?" Mr. Reilly asked Sunday afternoon, less than one day until Major League Baseball's trading deadline. "Do we have any new pitchers?"