The March 3 election found Guemes Island voters casting a ballot for the candidate of their choice to represent them on the Ferry Committee. Was my ballot the only ballot printed with the instructions “vote for one” not “vote against one”? I think not!

Two very competent candidates were listed and I made my choice.

The ballots were counted and no candidate emerged as a winner. Clearly the voters of Guemes Island are evenly split. It seems obvious that representation for all 388 voters would be a win/ win situation.

There were late hour meetings to consider the issue. Advice was solicited from many, including the county. Most like the idea of two winners and some insisted a five member committee was sacrosanct. Some lobbied for a win/lose, toss-the-coin resolution to the tie.

The Ferry Committee election is not sanctioned by Skagit County so County election procedures do not apply and the Ferry Committee's election rules and procedures never imagined or provided for a tie vote.

Jeannie Youngquist of the Skagit County Auditors office says that often a coin toss determines the victor. Other options: A resolution to seat both candidates for a limited time. A run-off election could also declare a winner. Pistols at dawn would have provided a winner as well (or else two losers). Most of those options are valid.

After many late hours the GIFC issued a press release announcing their decision to seat both candidates.

County Commissioner Sharon Dillon, after hearing of the resolution of the tie, was quoted as saying seating both candidates was an “excellent solution” to the dilemma.

New faces and new ideas on the island. The same old Ferry Committee song may no longer be received as well. Newcomers want communication. They want to know who’s who. They want to belong to the community and have ideas to share and want to be kept informed.

Many newcomers think the Veal Farm actually produces veal and that Allen Bush is related to George W. They don't recognize either of the names or the faces.

The Ferry Committee deals with ferry issues and works with the county Commissioners, Public Works, The Roundtable and Ferry management. It does not dictate policy, does not set the schedule and can not make any decisions regarding the ferry. It is the only organization (and there are almost as many organizations here as there are people) that has a secret mail-in ballot. The Ferry Committee attempts to represent Guemes Ferry riders, residents and non-residents alike. Many of the newcomers want to know how the Ferry Committee does this, since many Ferry Committee members are unknown to them and vice versa. It’s a genuine conundrum.

Long time Islanders are more familiar with the issues and the people and recognize who represents their way of thinking. Casting a vote was easier for them. Newcomers had a little more difficulty figuring out which candidate is their best ambassador to the County.

My only concern is how best the Guemes ferry riding community is served. Continuing controversy and divisiveness does not serve us well. This is a new solution for a new committee and feels right.... The operative word being "new".

- Commentary by MJ Andrak