While I was working this weekend I got the skinny on how the Ferry Service used community organizing to gain control of the boats. I was all excited to read about how it benefits communities then hear about how it benefitted ours! I will try to re-tell the story to the best of my ability. The ferries were at one time owned by a Greek philtopist who had no interest in the islands themselves, but sure did have an interest in money. In the early 80's this person ran the service in the hole financially, there was some corruption involved ending in bankruptcy. Although they had failed in a big way to provide service, they still wanted to keep it. Islanders weren't happy, the service was poor to begin with and this owner intended on raising rates substancially to make more money off it. Some islanders got together and finally made the plunge into court to try to gain ownership. They had no money, no money to buy boats or to be in business at all. They were able to get the services of an attorney who would only take a fee if they won. They had to show proof on paper that they had the funds to make this operation work where it had previously failed and that meant a LOT of money on paper. Big on their list was an effort to keep rates as economical as possible, something the courts did like but that doesn't help an already lacking business plan. They were again able to get a bank in Maine to offer to sell bonds and would back this unsold money on paper. WOW, so they had a free-ish- lawyer who believed in power of the people as well as a bank who did too! Well in the end they were able to kick the crook out, who was definately unable to show on paper they could make it go having had to file bankruptcy, and they were awarded official ownership. However, they still had no actual real money for boats. Until they were offered grant money to do so, yes more free, because they were non-profit. Wala, the ferries are still run by this group of islanders who banded together as a community to save what they initially felt was way out of their league. Big things do happen, baby steps do matter regardless of how big.
The toned down version is here:
http://www.cascobaylines.com/about-us/history/
Karre I appreciate that you chose an example right here in Maine! I love hearing about the things Mainers have done by banning together to get their needs met!
ReplyDeleteThis is really amazing insight about the ferry system, I never really thought about it too much. What type of funds they receive to allow them to keep running. My favorite thing to do in the summer is take the ferry down to the local island around. It’s very important to our community.
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