FERRIES

Action needed now

The time is past due for our elected representatives – on the federal and state levels as well as at the Washington State Ferry System – to lead the effort to amend – or at least create exceptions to – the Jones Act and permit the Ferry System to contract with foreign shipbuilders to build new boats. The money for the boats has been in the State budget for years.

Recent articles in The Seattle Times have exposed the lack of domestic builders capable of building the boats, as well as the increasing lack of reliability of the boats themselves. Negotiations with the one domestic boat builder have dragged on for years to no avail. The Jones Act prohibits Washington State from reaching out to foreign builders. It’s time for our political leaders to step up and legislate to eliminate or amend the prohibition.

Kevin McMurdo

FIRE DISTRICT

Chief’s contract

Now retired, I spent over 50 years working with student teachers majoring in the field of education. When these young teachers are hired, they all agree to take additional studies to improve their skills in teaching. This includes a minimum of a fifth year of study in the field of education, and for most, a Master’s degree in education. They know this requirement going into the field when they sign on the dotted line.

The most important concepts that I tried to instill in my students were to be ethical, and honest, and to follow through on the commitments that they make to their students and coworkers. This is exactly where I feel the Chief and the Vashon Island Fire & Rescue board have fallen terribly short. When the Chief was hired, he agreed as part of his employment package to complete his EMT certificate. In the recent VIFR Board meeting, he asked to be released from this important commitment that he had personally made to the Board and the citizens of Vashon. This was one of the reasons that he was hired as Chief.

The Board, except for one member, has rubber stamps attached to both hands and feet, and they are ready to move when the Chief says jump. Both the Chief and the VIFR Board are responsible for the decision to release him from his personal promise to complete the EMT certificate. I guess since he did not meet his obligation, which was contingent upon his hiring, this calls for a reduction in pay. I wonder what the VIFR board thinks about this option. I also find the timing of this very suspect, as it was made after the levy lift was voted on and approved.

Steve Nourse