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The mighty, mighty Steamship Authority (SSA). It seems as if they are the authority on many things, paramount of which is their expertise of knowing when to hit their consumers for more money.
We just received news that SSA is out-performing their 2007 volumes. For the Martha’s Vineyard route, passengers are up 3.5%, followed by automobiles increasing at 2.3%, and freight at 1.6%. SSA revenues have also risen. This news comes only months after the SSA squeezed another $2 million out of customers through passenger and vehicle fare increases. You don’t need to do any substantial math after reviewing this news to know who wins and who loses in the ring with the SSA.
The SSA will proclaim their focus on customer service and efficiency. I remember my last return trip from Woods Hole to the Vineyard. I was greeted by SSA employee #1 at the guard shack where I stopped to pick up my boat ticket. Employee #2 printed out my ticket and handed it to employee #1 who passed it to me and requested that I drive to the next shack where employee #3 looked at my printed ticket and kindly requested that I pull ahead to lane number two. As the time arrived to drive on board the vessel, I was asked to pull ahead by employee #4. He had employee #5 standing by to help out, perhaps in case employee #4 fainted or forgot his assignment. As I pulled up to the ferry, employee #6 took my ticket while employees #7-9 were standing by shooting the breeze with a state police officer. I slowly proceeded on board the gem of the fleet, M/V ISLAND HOME - a $33 million ferry that has flat screen TVs and $3 waters for me to enjoy. I then followed the hand gestures of employee #10 pointing me towards employee #11 who expertly parked me inches from the nearest car. As I turn my vehicle off, I look around to see employees #12-16 also parking vehicles. I couldn’t wait to meet the rest of the crew topside where I would have to dig into my deep pockets in order to purchase that aforementioned $3 water.
Labor is typically one of the most significant cost drivers for a company. It is no secret that high labor costs eventually trickle down to the consumer. I’m not saying the SSA must go on a firing spree but take it from a person who spends time in a multi-mission organization (U.S. Coast Guard) of 40,000 people protecting 90,000 miles of coastline. Efficiency and multi-tasking are part of our ethos. The SSA is not as efficient as they claim to be and it is becoming more and more apparent to the consumer.
Remember in The Wizard of Oz when Toto pulled back the curtain and exposed the Wizard? Perhaps one day our citizenry will rise up and pull back the curtain on the SSA. I’m afraid we all may be appalled by what we see.
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As I thumbed through the newspaper this morning I came across a fascinating article that focused upon the richest of American citizens. Did you know that the richest 1% of Americans reported 22% of the nation’s total adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2006? That is possibly the highest share of the nation’s AGI since 1929 according to the IRS!
As I read this article on the porch of the Chilmark Store on Martha’s Vineyard, I thought about how members of that exclusive 1% have probably sat on that very same porch. Although, they likely wouldn’t wrinkle their brow as I did recently having to pay $15 for a ham and cheese sandwich and a water.
While the wealthiest Americans’ share of AGI has risen dramatically, so has their share of income taxes. This exclusive 1% paid nearly 40% of all income taxes in 2006. However, it must be stated that over the most recently reported 5-year span, the share of income reported by the richest of the rich has risen faster than the group’s share of income taxes. The reason I bring this story up for discussion is to reemphasize the economic disparity that exists in our country. On the Cape and Islands, we are reminded of this inequality through mansions, luxury vehicles, and exorbitantly high prices for most goods and services.
I simply can’t fathom that kind of wealth or the lifestyle it germinates. Many of us must work a lifetime in order to afford a modest home and a comfortable retirement. While in the ghettos of America, countless families struggle and lose hope. Their hardships will often go unnoticed. This egregious disparity in life and luxury is an important topic that we must not be afraid to discuss.
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I am a huge sports fan. The Sox, Pats, C’s and the Bruins rip at my heartstrings year-round. Whether it is enjoying a cup of coffee during the early morning Sportscenter broadcast and listening to WEEI in the car. Or enjoying the local team’s game on NESN or FSN New England most nights, athletics is a big part of my day (I’m actually watching the Sox play the Diamondbacks while penning this post). What I have found intriguing since embarking on this ambitious political journey is the similarities between sports and politics.
For example, everyone roots for their favorite team and holds contempt for their bitter rival in sports. Let’s look at the Boston Red Sox. I love ‘em. I live and die with each pitch and each swing of the bat. AND I dislike (politically correct word for hate) the Yankees. In politics, choosing sides is much the same. If you are a Democrat, you shrill when you meet a Republican and vice versa. If you are an Independent everyone likes you, right?
The lines between sports and politics have blended significantly over time. You must look no further than the list of former athletes who have successfully transitioned from athletics into the political arena. Everyone knows about Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was a seven-time Mr. Olympia during his professional body building days. Yet few remember that President Gerald Ford played center for the University of Michigan football team and President Eisenhower was a running back and linebacker for his West Point squad. Former Senator Bill Bradley was a Hall of Fame player and two-time champion with the New York Knicks. Congressman Jack Kemp was once a gunslinger for the Buffalo Bills. Bob Mathias was not only a gold medal winning decathlete he served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and Steve Largent scored 100 touchdowns in his Hall of Fame career with the Seattle Seahawks before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Oklahoma.
There are so many famous sports quotes and analogies that carry weight in politics. My personal favorite came from Yogi Berra, whose affable personality overshadowed the fact that he dawned those detested pinstripes during his Hall of Fame career. In the game of politics, you must always be prepared for your opponent(s). However, the process becomes quite simple in the end or as Yogi once put it, “The other teams could make trouble for us if they win.”
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Tim Russert
by Jake - June 13th, 2008
We lost an American legend today. Tim Russert, NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and Moderator of Meet the Press is gone at the age of 58.
I was in awe of Mr. Russert. His genuine heart, positive attitude, and zeal for politics inspired me to be involved in public service. Most every Sunday, I either watched Tim as Moderator of MTP with my Dad or called my father to discuss the latest “grilling” displayed by the most venerable man in the business.
I remember the day I walked past him in LaGuardia Int’l Airport and still, to this day, I regret not saying hello and picking his brain. Or most recently attending a debate at Boston College over which he moderated. I wanted to approach him afterwards to ask his advice about my pursuit for public office. As people swarmed around him to say hello, I decided it was better that I wait and perhaps the time would come that I could possibly meet him again.
Today, ‘fair and balanced’ seems to be something of a catch phrase. But Tim embodied it. His studious nature helped him prepare the most amazing cross-examinations of leaders across the globe. His search was for the truth and his only motive was to provide us, the viewer, with a fair and objective opportunity to pass judgment upon those who answered his thought-provoking questions.
Sundays will not be the same, especially in my selfish little corner of the world, where this Father’s Day I very much looked forward to sitting on the couch with my Dad and watching the best in the business do what no one else will ever replicate.
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This week, I have the great privilege to train in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. My training is taking place at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. I’ve been back here numerous times since graduating from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 2004. My previous trips were short and extremely busy. Upon completion of OCS, I couldn’t wait to get out of this place. It was somewhat like purgatory for 17 weeks. OCS was one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever faced. We were broken down individually and then built back up as a team through leadership training, nautical science education, and strict health and physical readiness standards. Our class endured one of the coldest winters in the history of New London, CT, making drills, physical training, marching tours, and colors outside in the elements quite difficult. We were away from our families for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Many classmates missed their children’s birthdays, their wedding anniversaries, and many other important events. I lost my grandfather while in training and nearly three weeks later, I consoled my roommate who lost his grandfather too.
It is for all of these reasons that I think I held a grudge against this place. However, this experience has been different. The Class of 2008 graduated just over one week ago. Besides a few other training programs, we are the only group on campus right now. I’ve had time to get some great workouts in, running around the campus and stopping to read the plaques that mark the memories of American heroes and the history of this remarkable military organization. One such landmark is prominently displayed in the middle of the campus. Cut from granite, the words “Who Lives Here, Reveres Honor, Honors Duty” stand out at the base of a hill. These words emphasize the existence of the “Honor Concept”, whereas cadet relationships carry with it the implication that any person whose conduct demeans or offends this concept has offended the entire Corps of Cadets. It is a powerful statement that is further enforced by the core values of the U.S. Coast Guard; Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.
As I walk the halls of historic buildings on campus, I’m struck by the fact that countless men and women, who have graciously served our country, have walked these same spaces. Legends of the Coast Guard have resided here, studied here, and gained the experience necessary to lead our sailors into the teeth of the sea and on the battlefronts of war.
I have made peace with the Academy this week. The feeling in my stomach has dissipated. I’m honored to have spent that cold winter here and in some small fashion, carry on the tradition of those who came before me. The sailors who graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and from Enlisted Basic Training in Cape May, NJ will be our future heroes, humbly placing themselves on the line to save others and provide a service to our country that too often goes unnoticed.
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Unenrolled
by Jake - May 22nd, 2008
The support that I have constantly received during this campaign has been amazing. Every day, I become more excited about this process. Researching the local, state, and national issues is fascinating. Meeting people and listening to their thoughts, ideas, and dreams has been inspiring.
When I meet with people on the campaign trail, I am often asked why I chose to run as an unenrolled candidate. I always enjoy answering that question and thought that it may be on some of your minds as well…
When I registered to vote at 18 years old, I certainly had leanings on specific issues but neither party appealed to me strongly enough to join them at that time. As I matured, my posturing on specific issues became more solid. I looked at each party and the fundamentals of what they stood for. The Democratic Party preached prosperity, progress, and peace. The Republican Party spoke of lower taxes and less government.
Who could argue with any of these platforms or party ideals as they all seem so reasonable. However, when I thought more about things, I had trouble remembering when the last time a political party actually did anything tangible to inspire or affect me. Personally, I feel like the paralyzing partisanship and status quo that exists at the federal, state, and local level is not benefiting us as citizens.
When I embarked on this journey, I received pressure from both sides to join their party. I met with and talked to local leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties. It was a tough choice not to jump on board because of the significant support each party could provide to a virtual unknown like me. However, I had to trust my gut. I wanted to run for this position for all of the right reasons and to maximize results…or, as we say in the military, to attain “mission execution”. Also, I didn’t want to have to toe a party line throughout this process. I knew that going at it alone would allow me to be a vessel for your best ideas, thoughts, and concerns. Maintaining my unenrolled status presents a solution to the status quo. I know this all may sound silly to some people, particularly those who look at unenrolled candidates and say that we just can’t make up our minds. Trust me, my mind is made up and this is exactly how I feel.
Approximately 50% of Massachusetts registered voters are unenrolled. Of course this is for different reasons and some of these folks, when pressed, would say they were either a Democrat of Republican. However, I believe most of those voters would also say that they are unhappy with the lack of progress made by both Democrats and Republicans in our State House. As you may have heard me say before, I truly believe that a candidate’s leadership skills will be a key differentiating factor in this election. I would put my leadership abilities and experiences up against any of my potential opponents. When coupled with the core values that were inherited through my family along with the values developed during my military service, I believe that I am most prepared to represent the citizens of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket District. If someone chooses not to vote for me because they don’t think I will be an effective leader, then that is their opinion. However, if someone doesn’t vote for me because I choose not to fall under the umbrella of a political party, then I would ask that they take as step back and truly analyze what their chosen party has done for them lately.
There you have it. I am proud to go about this process without a political party affiliation. Is this process going to be tougher as a result? Undoubtedly. Nonetheless, I relish challenges and this one won’t stand in my way of doing what is necessary to best represent you.
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With every trip to the grocery store, you have probably noticed the rising prices for food. In fact, the cost of food has increased by approximately 40% worldwide since mid-2007. Such drastic changes have caused riots, protests, and crisis in countries like Egypt, Haiti, and Cameroon. As this issue continues to draws headlines and greater attention, you will see layers peeled back and compounding problems occurring. As demand for food and biofuels rise, farmers will need to plant more crops. Fertilizer mines and factories may not be able to keep up with the demand for crop increases. These problems will continue to fester and the cyclical nature of the agriculture business will suffer at all stops.
I recently had the privilege of starting a new agriculture business with a great friend of mine. It is something that I never thought I would be doing but I am enjoying every minute of it. In simple terms, we build vegetable gardens for families. Yet it is so much more than that. We formed our business with the purpose of helping our community become empowered to grow their own foods. We work directly with families, planning and carrying out their seasonal growing plans by way of prolonged and efficient growing systems.
We have all heard the fervent discussion about eating fresh and local foods and supporting local agriculture. Unfortunately, talk only goes so far. We have decided to work to put these good intentions into action so that people can see, smell, and taste the high-quality foods their own back yards can produce for them and their families. It will save costs and the benefits extend beyond crop-yields and into the traditions of the farming culture that so many of our families have enjoyed for generations.
There are many things that you can do to help make a difference. Pay attention to and advocate for your local farmers. Support farm-to-table initiatives. Buy local and fresh produce. Build a garden. These are all simple things that can go a long way to help ease global food demand while also helping support your local community.
Be inspired. - Jake
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I just returned home from a very rewarding experience. The Vineyard Conservation Society held its annual “Earth Day Beach Clean-up” today. It was a beautiful morning and volunteers all over Martha’s Vineyard helped clean up trash on various beaches in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and Up-Island. I worked with other volunteers to clean up Lobsterville Beach. You wouldn’t believe the amount of trash we picked up in just under two hours!
An event like this serves as an example of how simple it is to help care for your community. When you are on the beach this summer or taking your dog for a walk in the neighborhood park, bring a small bag and pick up the trash you see. You will be contributing a service to the public that is simple, quick, and it will make you feel good.
You can’t let excuses get in your way. Turn off the television, throw on your shoes, and lend a helping hand.
Be inspired. - Jake
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