KINGSTON — The possibility of a passenger-only ferry in Kingston sank after residents across Kitsap County soundly struck down Proposition 1, which would have increased the county’s sales tax by 3/10ths of a cent to fund the service.
As of Friday morning, 55 percent (35,527 voters) were opposed to the measure to while 45 percent (29,607 voters) supported the Feb. 7 proposal. A similar proposal was downed in November 2003.
“I’m back to work now,” said Proposition 1 supporter Sonny Woodward of Kingston. “We had our 30 second funeral, and now it’s time to move on. Obviously, I’m disappointed with the outcome.”
Kitsap Transit, which would have operated the countywide passenger-only ferry system, will wait awhile before reexamining future possibilities, said Kitsap Transit executive director Dick Hayes.
“I suppose there are other ways to look at it, but that’s really up to the (Kitsap Transit) board,” he said. “I think what we need to do now is look at the numbers in detail and find out what happened. North Kitsap, Central Kitsap and Bremerton were where it was supportive. It’s too early to suggest any kind of a plan. The board needs to take some time to analyze this vote.”
If the sales tax had been approved, passenger-only ferries runs to and from Seattle would have started in Kingston, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Southworth.
Kingston residents, in particular, had voiced support for the service, Hayes said.
While Kitsap Transit’s idea sank, hopes for a passenger-only boat from Kingston to Seattle are still afloat.
Members of the Kingston Express Association are still striving to create their own passenger-only ferry run — one operated for and by commuters.
“Well, we have a chance for a new start, to move in new directions,” said KEA manager Nels Sultan. “I hoped (Proposition 1) passed, I voted ‘yes’ for it.”
The KEA has been working quietly for several months to ensure it would not take focus away from Kitsap Transit’s campaign, Sultan said. Now, its members will become more vocal about their desire to start a commuter ferry.
This service, won’t be funded by countywide taxpayers, which is fine with Kingston resident Annie Humiston.
“I can see where a passenger-only ferry makes a lot of sense,” said Humiston. “However, putting it on the backs of everybody in the county was not fair. I’d like to see it go through in a different way.”
That “way” might not come along for a while, if ever, Hayes said.
“I really feel sorry for all the folks in Kingston who worked their hearts out,” Hayes said. “I haven’t any idea what might be next, and the right answer may very well be nothing.”
“The voters have spoken that they are not ready for something like this,” Woodward said. “This is the will of the people, and there’s not much we can do about that.”
