From the O

"Reviewers should look at ferry systems nationally and internationally. Neighboring British Columbia’s ferry system is run by what’s called a Crown Corporation. The crown, or province, retains ownership, but it’s run independently by a chief executive officer and board of directors. Would a structure like that be appropriate in Washington state? How about turning the entire operation over to the private sector? All governing and ownership options for this part of the state’s transportation network should be reviewed and weighed — especially at this time of shrinking budgets."

Apples and oranges, kids. The British Columbia ferry system doesn't serve a workers/inhabitants commute the way Washington State Ferries do. Their's is more of a system of travel for tourism and can run a more lax schedule than the demands of, say "Winslow to Bremerton to Seattle". Not only do you have a huge volume of commuters, but there is commercial traffic that depends on frequency of those runs. Left in the hands of "saving pennies for the shareholders", we could be facing some serious issues in terms of ability to cross the Sound. How would you like only two runs from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island, each day, because the profit makers think that's all it's worth? As it is, you only have one run every two hours to San Juan (at best). Don't "miss" a sailing. (been there, done that)

Sorry, O Editors - leave these decisions up to the people that are affected - North Sound dwellers.