"I don't know who would want to vote our town out of the commission now," said Oak Bluffs selectman Roger Wey. "It would open up the floodgates."

House Delays SSA Vote; Island Political Maneuvers Press New Bedford Case

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

An acrimonious political campaign to restructure the Steamship Authority went into yet another stall this week when a much-anticipated floor debate in the state legislature was diverted to a back room by House Speaker Thomas Finneran. The move by Mr. Finneran came amid a week-long swirl of politics, including a series of secret maneuvers by a small group of Vineyard officials who are now working to promote the interests of New Bedford.

It was a victory for bar owners in Oak Bluffs and patrons who prefer a nicotine chaser with their drinks. Smoking is back.

Voters in Oak Bluffs could put a significant dent in the number of mopeds rented in their town if they back a tough proposal put forth by selectmen. At a special town meeting on June 18, residents will be asked to approve a bylaw that would cut down the number of moped dealer licenses issued each year from seven to five.

National Labor Board Sets Stage for Vote on Union in Community Services Dispute

By MANDY LOCKE

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) set the stage for a vote on union status in the labor dispute at Martha's Vineyard Community Services with a May 24 ruling that expanded the pool of eligible voters in the Island Counseling Center.

Historic Chappaquiddick Farm Preserved in Unique Partnership

By JULIA WELLS

The preservation of a historic farmstead, a new partnership between two respected conservation organizations and affordable housing were all tied together in a single package this week when the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank and the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust announced that they will join forces to buy the Chappaquiddick property formerly owned by Ruth Marshall and the late Robert Marshall.