State Law Eclipses Stalled Health Plan

Health Insurance Reform Bill May Spell an End for Vineyard-Based Project, but Backers Are Still Optimistic

By JAMES KINSELLA

The ground-breaking mandatory health insurance law signed by Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney last month could spell the end of a Vineyard-based health insurance program that has been struggling to get off the ground for the past four years.

A variety of seabirds have died and washed up on Vineyard beaches in the past few months.

Oak Bluffs town administrator Casey Sharpe resigned unexpectedly early this week, setting off a ripple of finger-pointing and innuendo around town as to the cause. The announcement about Ms. Sharpe's resignation was made at the start of the selectmen's meeting on Tuesday following a brief executive session.

"It is with great sadness that I announce we just accepted the resignation of Casey Sharpe," announced board chairman Duncan Ross, adding:

Aquinnah Voters Tangle Over Budget; Town Meeting Adjourned Until June

By IAN FEIN

Aquinnah town finances were left in tatters after a tumultuous town meeting on Tuesday. But at the polls on Wednesday voters approved more than $120,000 in Proposition 2 1/2 overrides, giving the town some breathing room to balance its budget.

For the first time, this year the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School junior prom will require not just a ticket to enter, but a green light from a breathalyzer.

After alcohol use caused problems at last year's prom, high school principal Margaret (Peg) Regan considered cancelling this year's prom and revisiting the issue the next year, but at the students' request, Mrs. Regan instead collaborated with juniors to make prom safer.

Last Vineyard Town Meeting Convenes Tuesday in Aquinnah

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

A slew of proposed Proposition 2 1/2 overrides and a couple of requests to partly restructure town government are among the decisions awaiting Aquinnah voters at their annual town meeting and town election next week.