Land Bank Management Plan at Old House Pond Is Unsettled

By IAN FEIN

Saying there is value in leaving some places difficult to find, West Tisbury residents this week told Martha's Vineyard Land Bank officials that the conservation organization will harm Old House Pond by opening it to the public.

State Bill to Force SSA Into Binding Arbitration Riles Managers, Islanders

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

A proposed state bill has raised the specters of lost management control over Steamship Authority labor costs and a possible work slowdown at the boat line this summer.

The SSA is digging in against Senate bill 2459, which would require the boat line under certain conditions to submit to binding arbitration on collective bargaining disputes.

High school class rankings yield one winner come graduation, and the competition to become valedictorian requires some strategy at Martha\'s Vineyard Regional High School. Taking a class called Stock Market or Sports Management could push you ahead. Architecture and Island Cooking don\'t help or harm, but Journalism or Introduction to Law could set you back.

Selectmen Launch Water Company Probe

By MAX HART

The discovery of a $1.5 million surplus in the Tisbury water department budget has prompted the town selectmen to launch an internal investigation, as they try to shed light on an array of questions about management and financial practices within the department.

Two Cynthias Vie for One Seat in West Tisbury Assessors Race

By IAN FEIN

They share the same first name and a passion for West Tisbury town politics, but the similarities end there, and voters in West Tisbury will be faced with a clear choice when they go to the polls in a special election for town assessor next week.

NANTUCKET - The Steamship Authority is considering loosening restrictions on the transfer of regular tickets, as well as on the 10-ticket discount books that are a staple of ferry travel for Vineyard residents.

At present, the boat line restricts the use of regular tickets and of the 10-ticket books to their buyers.