I think the Independent’s Robert Meadows, who is very enlightened in his writing, missed the point with his March 6 column (“A ferry system by any other name…”).

Although he is thoughtful and provides extensive detail to support his position, he needs to clearly realize that the ferry system is part of the highway system and cannot be, and should not be, addressed separately from the highway system just because it is more costly to maintain than a comparable stretch of highway.

If that were, indeed, a criteria for figuring highway costs, then we would have no choice but to charge a toll for those crossing Snoqualmie Pass as it obviously costs more per mile to maintain than a comparable stretch of highway on the flat land.

The ferry system should never have been funded separately from the highway system.

The argument we hear that the people of Spokane don’t receive any benefit from the Puget Sound Ferry System is pretty hollow, since those of us on the Olympic Peninsula don’t receive any benefit from the road maintenance providing access to Mount Spokane.

It’s clear that the “Washington Marine Highway System” should be included and funded by the highway gas tax that is charged on every gallon of gas we purchase.

Any argument to the contrary is pure political rhetoric to sidestep the true nature of the issue.

MARVIN HARTSHORN

Port Orchard