Ferry fares see next hike May 2
Fares on Washington State Ferries will increase by 5 percent effective May 2.
Coupled with a peak-season surcharge that goes into effect the same day, car/driver fares on the Bainbridge/Seattle run will be $12.50 each way, up from the current $9.50 fare and the $12 peak-season fare of a year ago. The fare will dip to $10 when off-peak pricing resumes in mid-October.
Walk-ons will pay $5.70 to return from Seattle, up from the current $5.40; that fare is unaffected by peak season pricing.
It will be the second consecutive year for a 5 percent increase; the hikes were approved by the state Transportation Commission in 2003. New fares brochures are available at terminal tollbooths.
Break out the Easter baskets
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association’s Downtown Egg Hunt for children up to 11 years old is set for April 10 at Waterfront Park.
The annual event includes a 4-H petting zoo, visits and photographs with the Big Bunny, eggs filled with toys and candy and golden egg prizes for all age groups.
The 4-H petting zoo with bunnies, chickens and goats will be set up again this year from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Photos are available in the park for $3.
The egg hunt begins promptly at 11 a.m. for three age groups: 3 years and under, 4-6 years and 7-11 years. A golden egg will be hidden for each age group. Rob Beattie has agreed to MC the Egg Hunt again this year. Hunters are asked to bring their own basket or bag in which to keep their eggs.
For adults, the Bainbridge Downtown has included a “Good Egg” promotion in which shoppers at participating merchants will receive a plastic egg containing gifts, discount coupons or goodies.
The event is made possible by the organizing committee; volunteers from Prudential Northwest Real Estate Winslow Way office; Trevor Kale, Maegen Beattie, Kay Amos, Linda Lemon and Cub Scout Pack No. 565.
The Downtown Association is a nonprofit organization that works to enhance historic downtown Bainbridge as the vital center of Bainbridge Island life through community events and design improvements.
For more information, look for our posters in downtown businesses or call the BIDA office 842-2982.
Mahaffay joins race for 23rd
The race for the 23rd District’s Position 1 seat became more crowded this week as Frank Mahaffay of East Bremerton became the third candidate and second Republican on the ballot.
The seat is held by Rep. Phil Rockefeller (D-Bainbridge Island), who announced he is running for the 23rd District Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Betti Sheldon (D-Bremerton).
Mahaffay’s announcement puts him against fellow Republican Paulette DeGard of Kingston, who announced her decision to run in February.
Democrat Sherry Appleton of Poulsbo also is running.
“The people of our district understand that state government is going the wrong direction,” said Mahaffay, who is the president of the Kitsap County Association of Realtors. “Time and time again, the voters of our state have passed initiatives only to have the governor and state Legislature undo the will of the voters.”
Mahaffay said his priorities are revitalizing public schools, increasing business recruitment, reducing traffic congestion, restoring funding for ferries, expanding the tax base through job growth, reforming the Growth Management Act and tort reform.
He also wants to see independent, mandatory audits of state agencies, something the Legislature has yet to see signed by the governor.
“We’ve got to balance the checkbook and prioritize spending to what the people want,” Mahaffay said. “I’ll work my tail off for every voter in the district to get them what they rightfully deserve.”
Mahaffay, who works as a Realtor at Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc. in Silverdale, was involved in a successful campaign to get the county commissioners to repeal an increase on impact fees for new construction, and was chairman of the Central Kitsap School District General Advisory Council.
This is the first time he’s run a political campaign, though he does have experience at dealing with legislators.
“I lobbied in Olympia four or five times this year” on behalf of the realtors, Mahaffay said. “I’ve never missed an opportunity to go to Olympia.”
He originally thought about running for the Senate, but the 31-year old decided being in the House would be best for the 23rd District, and feels his young age is an asset in the race.
“A portion of my campaign will focus on the Generation X voters and getting them involved,” he said. “There’s a large group in my age bracket and it’s important to get them voting and have an influence on the state.”
– Sean Lamphere
Opening day for boaters
The Chandlery marks the beginning of the boating season with an opening day celebration, May 1-2 on the Parfitt Way waterfront. This year’s theme is “Building Community in Eagle Harbor.”
In addition to the traditional dock BBQ activities, the Chandlery and Winslow Wharf Marina are sponsoring a boat show. Boaters are invited to add their crafts to the the line-up; a few slips are available for boats from other parts of the island to participate.
Each boat will be introduced with a short bio about the craft and crew (including pets). A kids’ treasure hunt will be held during the boat show. The schedule:
• May 1: noon to 4 p.m., boat show and treasure hunt; 4- 7 p.m., BBQ and dock party
• May 2: 1-2 p.m., boat parade; 2-3 p.m., dinghy races
For information or to sign up for the boat show, contact the Chandlery at 842-SAIL.
