Fast ferries have been much in the news these days, especially on the Vineyard, but here is a fresh question to ponder: What happens when a ferry that plies what is arguably the shortest route in the world suddenly becomes faster?

Of course the answer is simple enough - the ferry gets there faster. On the Chappaquiddick ferry this means a route that now takes about two minutes has now been shortened by about 30 seconds.

SSA Proposal Shows New Bedford Plan

Boat Line Favors Whaling City Service Based on Long Season and Fast Ferries Capable of Carrying Huge Volume

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Against a backdrop of internal maneuvers and with no concrete policy directive from the board of governors, senior managers at the Steamship Authority are now moving ahead to develop New Bedford as an expanded port.

Mandate Reinforces Mission of the MVC

Vineyard Voters Back Nine Candidates with Clear Commitment to Support Unique Role of Regional Agency

By JULIA WELLS

Marking a fresh mandate to stay the course, Vineyard voters elected a solid slate of conservation-minded candidates - including six incumbents - to the Martha's Vineyard Commission this week. And for the second time in two years, two respected Island farmers were the top vote-getters in the election for the regional land use commission.

In a characteristic display of Island independence, voters on Martha's Vineyard turned out in large numbers this week to throw strong support to Sh

On This Election Day: Votes for the Farmers and Against the State

By JULIA WELLS

They went to the polls in large numbers on a sparkling autumn day. They said they liked two farmers best for the Martha's Vineyard Commission. They said they were unhappy with the outside meddling of the state legislature and the city of New Bedford when it came to the Steamship Authority.

They got involved.

Vineyard voters will go to the polls Tuesday to help choose a new Massachusetts governor along with nine members of the Martha's Vineyard Commission, four county commissioners and a new district attorney for the Cape and Islands.

Voters will also be asked to answer a series of ballot questions on an array of issues from bilingual education to changing the way the Island's Steamship Authority governor is appointed.