By MARILYN OMEY

A network of activists from ferry- served communities around Puget Sound started coming together last year in response to proposed fare increases announced by the state Transportation Commission. There were angry citizen responses at public meetings, particularly in Port Townsend and Bainbridge. As a result, individual contacts were made and some meetings were held in Port Townsend, Seattle and Bainbridge. From Vashon, Greg Beardsley, Jim English, Kari Ulatoski and I attended.

Some Washington State Ferry (WSF) staff and Transportation Commission members referred to us as “rebels.” We chose the word “partnership” to emphasize our desire to work with WSF in planning and decision-making for our communities. Of course, the various ferry communities have different needs and priorities. Historically each community has fought its own battle or against each other. The Ferry Community Partnership (FCP) — as we’ve chosen to call this new effort — has sought to define common goals and speak with a united voice. It acts independently but also cooperates with the WSF Ferry Advisory Committees.

The FCP played a role in the last session of the Legislature. We produced the “Ferries Are Marine Highways” buttons and posters many of you have seen, which were very popular in Olympia. Several FCP members, including myself, testified in hearings before the Senate and House Transportation Committees and the Transportation Commission itself. The strong community sentiment and strengthened relationships with legislators resulted in a freeze on ferry fares, an effort led by then-Sen. Erik Poulsen.

To follow up on our momentum, FCP members encouraged the idea of a meeting with legislators. Rep. Christine Rolfes from Bainbridge became our champion and got a “ferry summit” sponsored by the Kitsap Regional Council and the Kitsap Sun newspaper. It is scheduled in Bremerton on Dec. 7. King County Councilmember Dow Constantine is one of the co-sponsors. Rep. Joe McDermott and newly appointed Rep. Sharon Nelson will be in attendance.

Sen. Dennis Flannigan from Tacoma represents the Pt. Defiance route, and Rep. Larry Seaquist from Kitsap represents Southworth. FAC members and others from ferry-served communities will participate. From Vashon will be Community Council Vice President Jean Bosch, Alan Mendel, chair of the Vashon Ferry Advisory Committee, and FCP members Greg Beardsley, Kari Ulatoski and me.

The ferry summit will bring together a wide range of community leaders and citizens around the theme of “The Perfect Storm: Funding, Fares, Operations, Aging Fleet, Facilities and Community Expectations.” Events have come a long way since the “rebels” first started speaking up at community meetings.

The Vashon-Maury Island Community Council (VMICC) at its Nov. 19 meeting will consider a motion to formally affiliate as an organization with the Ferry Community Partnership. A companion motion will state VMICC’s opposition to fare strategies such as so-called peak-period pricing — or higher fares during the peak commute — and a reservation system until there is a careful examination of economic impacts on the community.

These pricing strategies and other proposals are under consideration and will be part of a “market survey” being conducted by the Transportation Commission. Focus groups for development of the survey are now being formed.

Wide community participation will be important as the Transportation Commission and the state Legislature grapple with these issues. We urge you to stay informed, pay attention and participate. These issues affect all of us on the Island.

— Marilyn Omey is active in the Ferry Community Partnership.