It is our chance to make a difference. Kitsap has a million-dollar opportunity that will only cost residents 3 cents on a $10 purchase. That is a lot of bang for the buck.

Kitsap has numerous amenities, but Seattle is booming with one of the fastest-growing job markets, more cultural variety, excellent universities and, significant to many fans, is the home to our Seahawks, Sounders and Mariners. Kitsap would benefit from a fast-ferry connection in more ways than we can possibly imagine.

As a ferry commuter working in downtown Seattle for more than eight years, I personally know the challenges of either driving to Bainbridge (getting stuck in traffic) or taking the Kingston/Edmonds ferry, the Sounder and the bus (getting stuck in traffic). When the walk-on ferry was running for its short run, it was a delightful way to get to work. But there is so much more that having this ferry can bring.

Not only will the ferry give Kitsap residents more reasons to easily go to Seattle, the reverse is even more important. Kingston is going to grow with or without the passenger ferry, so why not grow in a positive manner? With more miles of shoreline than any other county in our nation and a rich history of passenger ferries dating back to the Mosquito Fleet, we should embrace this new opportunity. We can get to Seattle in about half the time and, in many cases, at cheaper rates (as the price of parking in Seattle continues to escalate).

And what about tourism? Our businesses would grow; more businesses would open as more tourists came our way. We offer a beautifully different part of the world to people from all over. If we intelligently welcome the passenger ferry, we welcome the possibility of positive growth in Kitsap. Kingston, Bremerton and all of the Olympic Peninsula gain revenue when we open our gates to visitors. We would make back so much more than the 3 cents on $10 that we spend.

Kingston has long been called the “Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.” If there is enough offered at the beginning point anywhere, people will linger longer, enjoy what is offered, and it will no longer be the gateway but the destination.

It is my understanding that certain components in Poulsbo are not in favor of the ferry. Instead of fearing you might lose revenue, join the team and know you will make more and have more people visiting as the journey there will certainly be easier.

This time, the ferry will offer extended evening and Saturday service from May to September. It will benefit the 14,000 Kitsap residents already employed in Seattle and give opportunity to the 7,000 unemployed residents. It will help the 20,000 disabled, 37,000 seniors, 39,000 youth and 16,000 low-income residents have access to Seattle with half-price fares. And if you don’t ride the ferry, your home value will be boosted with this easier access.

Yes, the commuter will be the cornerstone of the passenger-only service, but everyone gains something. No one loses, except the person that is not smart enough to vote yes for the passenger-only ferry.

Diana Kingsley
Kingston