50 years ago

Editor: Ace Comstock

Hearing becomes duel

“A duel between angry commuters and the powers-that-be took place at last Thursday’s public hearing on the proposed ferry rate hike. The Seattle hearing was conducted by the subcommittee under the Joint Committee on Highways.

“The rate increase is only in the idea state at this time, but the ferry subcommittee is expected to release definite proposals within the next few weeks. The subcommittee received testimony from the director of highways, Charles Prahl, Washington State Ferries Manager Jack Hogan and numerous ferry users.”

15 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Union, PSE dispute response to storm

“The union representing electrical workers in the state claims that it took an unnecessarily long time for Puget Sound Energy to restore power to Whidbey Island and surrounding areas after last week’s windstorm. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77 issued a press release after criticizing Puget Sound Energy for having an inadequate force of line workers to fix downed power lines during storms. The union claims the company’s plans to contract for repair work and its support of deregulation has forced line workers to move to California in search of new jobs.”