Dear Islanders, 

With election day nearing and the possibility of my tenure on the CBITD Board ending I first want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for being able to serve. I have learned so much about representation, advocacy, Board process, service needs, finance, economy, and most importantly community. Affordable access for all passengers, regardless of frequency of travel, anchors my voice at the table. It is my hope to continue to advocate for the island communities as we welcome our new General Manager, await the completion of the major capital projects with the reception of the Battery Steele, and strive to honor the mission of CBITD: the sustainability of the year round population of islands it is the mission of CBITD to serve.

I believe the rate structure, built and delivered by our current Board President and Chair of the Finance committee is discriminatory, inequitable and the antithesis of preserving the dynamic, economically and culturally diverse, community that includes infrequent travelers.  A fare structure in which commercial vehicles and annual passholders pay less than half of “infrequent” travelers not only leaves out many islanders, extended family, friends and annual/generational visitors as well as first time passengers is intrinsically flawed and the antithesis of public transportation - transportation that is affordable for all, especially residents for whom no other transportation to their home is available. 

If re-elected, I am confident that a healthy partnership of accountability between Board members and residents, the Board as a whole and the General Manager, will be available to solve the complex problems islanders regularly face; including congestion, requests for inter island service to include PI, predictable vehicular access to/from PI, increasing ridership on under capacity routes to build revenue, adjusting the rate structure to reflect the financial needs of CBL while meeting the needs of islandside islanders and single ticket buyers. Scrutinizing the still increasing operating costs while amplifying efficiencies and opportunities for social and environmental stewardship of all islands CBITD serves.

As a public transportation in a microcosm we have an incredible opportunity to determine the social trajectory of our islands. It is, in my opinion, our responsibility to be mindful and inclusive of so many islanders, regardless of frequency of travel, greatly contribute to the preservation of community, and not simply consent to the increasing private sector bias that reflects that of the macrocosm.

Your voice and vote matter. It is my commitment to be sure that your voice has greater impact on CBITD policy to improve service and stewardship of community and growing service needs.

-Sharoan