Appraisal Company President Sends Out Missive on Tax Case

By IAN FEIN

The head of Vision Appraisal Technology Inc. has stepped into the fray surrounding the Graham property tax case against West Tisbury assessors.

Defending his Northboro company, Vision Appraisal president Kevin Comer sent to clients across the commonwealth last week a letter that criticized press coverage of the case and comments attributed to West Tisbury resident William W. Graham and his attorney.

With a wide grin and a deep laugh, Matt Rivers would be the first to say that he is not the most athletic kid on the court.

The students manning the phones at the Hebrew Center on this January night are there to kick off the first night of the 2006 SafeRides season. The student-run program provides a free and confidential ride home to any student of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School who is not in a condition to drive safely or who wants to avoid being a passenger with an unsafe driver.

West Tisbury Voters Acquiesce on Bills

By IAN FEIN

West Tisbury voters at a special town meeting this week reversed their previous opposition and agreed to pay $150,000 in legal bills associated with the Graham property tax case against town assessors. The vote came almost exactly two months after a town meeting where voters rejected payment.

Abandoning Draft Pact, Town, Tribe Call Summit

By IAN FEIN

Town and tribal officials in Aquinnah this week agreed to set aside a preliminary but controversial document that had outlined an unusual joint land use regulatory venture. The two governments will instead start anew and work together in an open forum to set out mutual goals for their small town at the western edge of the Island.

Property Tax Bills Out, Also Up in Four of Six Vineyard Towns

By IAN FEIN

Property tax bills are out - and up - in four of the six Island towns. But property owners in Edgartown and West Tisbury will not see their new assessments or tax bills for another few months, as town assessors work to determine values in the wake of previous appeals from large landowners.