Union Dispute Is Still Stalled

Steamship Authority Managers Leave Last Offer on the Table; Vessel Workers Will Continue Under Expired Contract

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Three days before Christmas, Steamship Authority management and the union that represents 230 unlicensed vessel workers remain locked in a protracted contract dispute, with no end in sight.

Some people crave the spotlight. Peter O. Bettencourt is not among them.

"Oh, God," Mr. Bettencourt muttered Monday, when Arthur Smadbeck, chairman of the Edgartown selectmen, let it be known that the selectmen had a memento of appreciation for their town administrator's nearly 40 years of full-time work for the town.

As revisions to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Conservation Act of 1996 make their way through Congress, debate is intensifying over how t

Immanuel: Christmas Is Still a Time of Such Joy

By REV. GERALD R. FRITZ

Merry Christmas. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la, or so the song goes.

Purchase Offer Accepted for Home Port Property

Home Port Restaurant owner William Holtham confirmed yesterday that he has accepted a signed offer from a private buyer for the Menemsha pondfront property that was the subject of a recent town meeting vote.

Citing the delicate nature of real estate transactions, Mr. Holtham said he would not reveal the potential buyer, purchase price, or any other details until the deal is closed sometime next month.

Regional Government Challenged at Home

By JAMES KINSELLA

After nearly two decades, the vision still has appeal: a Dukes County government taking on and solving Vineyard problems.

It is a vision that has drawn the support of Islanders at the ballot box, and inspired resistance to Massachusetts legislative and gubernatorial moves to abolish county government.