Airfares could rise $2 to $7.50

Good to hear you're having a spectacular year, Grant.  Most of us ain't, I fear.  Must be nice. 

I've been robbing Peter to pay Paul all year.  It's ugly out there.

'Peep

Well, I can only really speak to the waterfront businesses and a few in town, but what I am hearing is things are better than last year (the worst year in recent memory), but only maginally. I could count on one hand the number of time the Boat Basin & mooring fields have been full. I also see more boats opting to anchor out for free. The charter guys are certianly not doing any celebration dance, nor are the shop keepers, nor Hyline. The tour boats and water taxis are also not seeing the rosy picture you paint.

Well then you have not been talking to people in the trades who are universally worried sick about the coming winter with kids in college, mortgage payments to be made, cars that need fixing, and no job prospects.

Weather wise this certainly has been the best year in a long, long, time.

But business wise and foreclosure wise, it has not been good, and I don't see it getting any better for a while. And now with the Rust Tide rearing its ugly head again, things don't bode well for the scallopers, either.

Perhaps a shake out was due, but that does't make it any easier for those getting shaken out.

You're missing my point.  Econ 101.  Prices rise, demand drops.  I've already made the travel switch, and others will as well. There is only so much government can rise prices on the unruly masses before they can no longer afford them.

It wasn't me who kicked your dog, Grant.    I avoid everyone, even fellow complainers, this time of year, but a quick look at Yack threads currently has the hospital in financial trouble, town officials opposing a Hyannis airfare surcharge, the end of the meals on wheels program, and Aaron M. leaving in part because of a "desire to own his own house".   Darn Yack ought to portray a rosier picture.

Last I checked those pesky town expenses for my family, business, employees or Easy Street tenants were not optional.  I'll ask Debbie Dilworth whether we can skip a few property tax payments next time I see her.  Must have been a memo I missed.

Agreed.  I've been making this point for well over a decade.  

Matt

I'm not saying ignore the negative and don't do anything to fix it. I'm saying that such a lopsided argument does us a disservice.

Wow, this is as about a perfect example of the dichotomy of political thinking in the United States as any I've seen.

"Increase costs, and people can only afford to buy less."

This is simply not true. I could easily choose to absorb the $2 per ticket. And many people who fly can as well. The same is true for sewer and water increases. Many people, including you, can afford to absorb the increases. You don't like the idea, but you can afford it, and so can I. 

I think the picture you paint is terribly negative and lopsided. We are in the middle of the best summer Nantucket has seen in five years. All long range forecast point toward excellent weather this fall. Many island businesses are doing well. This year will help turn a lot of people around. I personally am having a spectacular year. Knock wood. Just pitched a coffee account and if I get it, I may only be around on the weekends for the time being. 

I think the reason you are hearing so many complaints from people is that you are (to use as clinical a term as I can muster) a complainer, and like minds often seek each other out. I have not hear a single Nantucket Business person — aside from you — complain about the future. The only complaint I hear is that they are tired from doing so much business. And the summer people tick them off. 

I think we ought to look on the bright side for a change. 

Back to the subject at hand: If I cut my air travel in half, I could likely save several thousand dollars. More if I park a car over there. Of course, having another car opens the door to all kinds of other expenses. Repairs. Insurance. Parking. Upkeep. 

These are choices I'm dealing with. As with town expenses, I have choices. I have options. We all do. I think it's time we stop complaining and start exploring our options. There are many. 

I've already changed my travel habits because the hi-speed is cheaper than flying and the total trip, including traveling to and waiting in the airports takes about the same amount of time.  Increase costs, and people can only afford to buy less.  Luckily we have another cheaper, just as convenient, travel option.

When Nantucket residents approve projects like sewers or airport onion contracts under the false impression that rich fund boyz, not them, bear the burden, or when sufficient analysis and information to understand how and whether most of us can afford stuff is not completed by town administration prior to obligating us, "voting" means little.  (Especially when those responsible benefit from the status quo.)  

Everyone I'm speaking with is worried about the Nantucket economy this winter.  Foreclosures are at an all time high.  Sale and 50% off signs clutter the downtown retail shop windows.... mid-August.  Many people are stretched thin and struggling.  Small, seemingly insignicant increases add up.  Check your water and sewer bills if you doubt me. 

I applaud MK, RK, and any other elected offical attempting to get a handle on town finances, but know from personal experience this is a very difficult run-away train to slow down.  Good luck.

Matt

First off, I don't think anyone is whining. Discussing, yes. Whining, no. 

Second, I think the thing about the airfare increase that bothers me is that it's not really voluntary. I don't get a vote on it. (Except with my wallet.) I voted on Nantucket to pay for the sewers and I voted to pay for lots of other things the town is now funding. I also was allowed to vote for the representatives to our local government bodies who make decisions on fees and licenses.  I have no problem with all that as long as the community gets a vote. I was talking to a cabbie in Hyannis the other day and his feeling was that "The people on Nantucket can afford it." (Blair was there. He can back me up.) 

In the end, this whole thing is likely no big deal. If it becomes a burden, I'll likely just change my travel habits. And save a bundle in the process. This may end up being a good thing, actually.

But I feel bad for the rental car places and airline people who will suffer because they no longer get the business of people like me. 

G. 

Anyone else find it ironic we're whining about optional flight surcharges while other unavoidable Nantucket fees and taxes increase ceaselessly and substantially?

Matt

The story in the Indy: Island commuters could bear cost of new Hyannis airport terminal

Nantucket did not increase its embarkation and landing fees, as far as I know. Unfortunately, we as consumers, have little to say abut it, given the fact that we cannot vote in Barnstable, MA. But after Barnstable votes, we can bring it up with the Attorney General. She's a pretty fair person. 

Grant -- does anyone know did Nantucket Airport increase the landing fees to cover the costs associated with our terminal expansion..?..and if not then why would we, as consumers, allow this to happen in Hyannis....?........ 

EWB is sounding better and better.......

It's negative, whining like this that keep the US economy stuck in reverse.  Gov'ment officials will tax us all to prosperity if you'd just let them .

Cheaper to boat anyway, and just about as quick, especially as I can walk to the docks as well as my car, now often parked in Hyannis ($600 a year).  

Matt