Candidate Challenge Fails in Tisbury Clash

Town Registrar Board Rules in Favor of James Douglas and Douglas Dias's Right to Run for Selectman Post

By JONATHAN BURKE

The candidacies of James Douglas and Douglas Dias in Tisbury's upcoming selectmen's race survived challenges Monday night.

The burden was on the challengers to prove that Mr. Douglas and Mr. Dias are not residents of Tisbury. In each case, the town's four-member board of registrars deadlocked 2-2, which meant the challenges failed.

Outbreak of War Against Iraq Will Curtail Student Travel Plans to Countries Overseas

By CHRIS BURRELL

If war in Iraq breaks out before April vacation, students at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School can forget about their travel plans to Ireland, Costa Rica and England.

That was the message this week from the regional school committee whose regular monthly meeting Monday night drew a crowd of nearly 50 people - parents, students and at least three teachers who tried to sway committee members to reconsider their hard-line stance on travel.

After a Walkout, Consequences

By CHRIS BURRELL

They demonstrated against war and demanded peace, then walked out the doors of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School to underscore their point.

In the eight days that followed, the 190 students who took part in the high school's first ever walkout have now undergone an unusual lesson in crime and punishment.

SSA Supports New Ferry Plan

Boat Line Managers Recommend Private Firm for High-Speed, Year-Round Service Between New Bedford and Vineyard

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Senior managers at the Steamship Authority are expected to recommend today that the boat line issue a long-term license to New England Fast Ferry LLC to operate year-round, high-speed passenger service between New Bedford and the Vineyard.

Texas Pollsters Open Oak Bluffs Campaign on MVC Withdrawal

By JULIA WELLS

Oak Bluffs voters began receiving calls this week from a Texas polling company in what appears to be the opening salvo for a heated political campaign prior to a special town election on possible secession from the Martha's Vineyard Commission.

On May 13 Oak Bluffs voters will be asked to say yes or no to town withdrawal from the MVC.

Report Calls for Changes to Strengthen Future Role of Island Planning Agency

By JULIA WELLS

Overhaul the review process for developments of regional impact. Encourage districts of critical planning concern. Forge better working relationships with the Island towns. Improve staff work. Improve public relations. Planning, planning, planning.

These are the central themes in a comprehensive report card on the Martha's Vineyard Commission released this week by commission executive director Mark London.