Just when you thought things couldn’t get more ridiculous, the Public Works Department goes out and buys a new boat for $325K.

Many islanders own boats and know how this works. The purchase price is just the beginning. A boat is a hole in the water where you throw money.

“Inefficiency is not an option.” said Administrator Pete Rose.

How ironic is it for our land-loving leader to say this about such a silly purchase?

There are many work boats for hire in the private sector that are much better equipped and staffed to do the few jobs on the outer islands that this boat was designed for. These private entrepreneurs are our neighbors and they could use the business. I would bet that the cost to hire them would be less than the annual maintenance on this new boat.

Inefficiency seems to be the only option at Public Works.

Don’t forget that we are being asked to approve another parcel tax this November to pay for their mismanagement of solid waste. Yet they always seem to have the money floating around in this “shell game” they call a budget to buy new fancy equipment from the mainland.

Why should taxpayers continue to put up with this? You can get mad or have fun (or both). Here is the fun part.

This boat is nameless. Boats need clever names.

Today I am beginning a campaign to “Name that Boat!”

Please send your best boat name to: gordie000@centurytel.net

Gordy Peterson

San Juan Island