Economics underpins it all
In January, one year ago, Philippe Jordi, executive director of the Island Housing Trust, and David Vigneault, executive director Dukes County Regional Housing Authority (DCRHA), told an MVTimes writer that the Vineyard's complicated affordable...
What was the point, after all?
The other day in the office we debated whether the The Journal News in White Plains ought to have published a graphic that mapped the names and addresses of nearly 34,000 handgun permit holders in the newspaper's circulation area.
A choice with confusing and expensive consequences
Compassion for those in ill health and pain is admirable, but the medical marijuana law approved by referendum vote in November is a fraud.
A new year in the Comment community
We continue to fine-tune the Comment feature on mvtimes.
Housing affordability is only one of the Island’s issues
Lately, the Martha's Vineyard Housing Needs Assessment Study Committee — don't worry, there's no acronym quiz later — has been batting around an early draft of the preliminary report prepared by their consultant, Karen Sonnarborg.
State aid doesn’t mean much around here
It's budget-building season in Island towns, preparing for annual town meetings this spring when voters will make FY2014 spending decisions.
Giving it a rest for Christmas
The bride and I put on our glad rags this week and infiltrated a few Christmas gatherings.
That Christmas time of year
In every Islander's life the wind is often in the northeast and blowing hard, the mist and rain moves horizontally for days on end, and the sun shines elsewhere.
Why would they say no? They don’t
There are splashier fundraising events, whose needs, goals, and success — the new Martha's Vineyard Hospital, the new Y, the annual support for Martha's Vineyard Community Services come to mind — are astounding for the generosity and commitment of donors and organizers.
The Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s genius may be lost
The argument over the latest, mind-numbing version of the Martha's Vineyard Commission's (MVC) developments of regional impact checklist is an occasion to rejoice.
Spin the wheel and a writer’s prayers are answered
The other side of the reading coin is writing.
Maples, monocultures, and arboreal courage
West Tisbury has had a spirited conversation this fall about the trees around the parking lot between the Howes House, the Field Gallery and the new public library.
Time to rethink rules on animal control
News that the state has revised its rules concerning animal control is welcome.
Thanks for this mess
Unlike the pantheists, for whom God inhabits every living thing, ticks included; unlike the theists who think therefore they believe, and you should too; and unlike the profoundly devoted who believe that every adversity makes you stronger, if it doesn't kill you, for us mere mortals who have not yet transcended day to day life, there are lots of things for which it is tough to be thankful.