L E T T E R S
“PUFF PIECE” PANNED

To the editor:

In his recent front-page puff piece about the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s whale-education ship, Independent writer Chris Edmonds claimed that the IFAW had “two million members.”

Did the writer ask when these “members” were last invited to an annual general meeting to ratify programs and elect a board of directors, which is normal practice in a not-for-profit corporation?

Or could it be that all those well-meaning people who send in checks are really just “contributors,” with a very small inner group really controlling this media savvy, multi-million-dollar fundraising machine?

The writer might also have asked why IFAWhas been refused membership by the International Conservation Union (IUCN), the world’s most prestigious conservation organization; perhaps because the IFAW does not support the sustainable use principles of that respected group?

And did he think to ask Arctic Inuit and Newfoundland sealers what they think of IFAW’s 35-year media and political campaign to eliminate part of the income of some of North America's poorest communities — while IFAW generates millions of dollars through one-sided campaigns against the seal hunt. Just wondering…

Sincerely,

— Alan Herscovici,

Executive Vice-President,

Fur Council of Canada CONSERVING UNIQUE ISLAND HABITATS

To the editor:

On behalf of the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative’s invasive species committee, we would like to thank everyone who took time out of their weekend to help remove the invasive species purple loosestrife from the shores of Sesachacha Pond.

We were pleased to have close to 50 people dig in with their garden tools, weed wrenches and eager spirits. Without your help we never would have been able to make the progress we did.

Once again, this weekend demonstrated the importance of the environment to the people of Nantucket. Islanders and visitors alike were happy to reach out in an effort to conserve the unique species and habitats that exist on our island. We are grateful for your continued support of the island’s beautiful natural resources.

We would also like to acknowledge the Nantucket Garden Club and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) whose generous funding made this event possible.

In addition, the following organizations provided logistical support in the planning and execution of the weekend: Maria Mitchell Association, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Nantucket Conservation Commission, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Garden Club, Nantucket Islands Land Bank Commission, Nantucket Land Council, Nantucket Surveyors Inc., Surfing Hydrangea Nursery and the University of Massachusetts-Boston Field Station. Last but not least, we wish to thank Cheryl Beaton and Diane Lang who generously donated a great deal of personal time to organizing this weekend.

Many, many thanks to all who participated.

— Rachael Freeman,

co-chair Invasive Species Committee

— Lucy Leske,

co-chair Invasive Species Committee THANKS FOR FOURTH FIREWORKS

To the editor:

I would like to thank all the individuals who helped me with the 2005 Fourth of July fireworks. I know that we had a very precarious evening with the fog, and I am very grateful to everyone involved.

Thank you to Dave Fronzuto for his professional commitment in making sure that the fireworks make it securely onto the barge and for keeping our waters safe. Thank you to Charles Balas, Victor Brandon, Amanda Bixby, Grucci Fireworks, Jimmy Manchester, AT Wilce, the Steamship Authority, Brant Point Coast Guard, Chief Bill Pittman and Chief Everett Pierce for their time.

In addition I would like to include the Town of Nantucket and the Board of Selectmen, the Nantucket Lodging Association, and the Nantucket Police and Fire Departments for their assistance in this event. I want to thank my staff at Visitor Services for their continued support during a demanding time and let them know I appreciate their efforts.

Lastly, I would also like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the community of Nantucket and especially the people at Jetties Beach waiting patiently while the fireworks were delayed. Their cooperation helped relieve a stressful situation, and their cheers when the shells went off really were appreciated by all.

Most Sincerely,

— Kate Hamilton O’LEARY STEPS UP FOR ISLANDS

To the editor:

Thank you Senator O’Leary.

Thanks are due to our Senator Robert O’Leary who spoke out against a proposed bill which would reduce Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket’s voting strength on the Steamship Authority board.

He clearly explained the reasons why the bill should be rejected by the state legislature. The bill would not best solve the current issues at the SSA.

It is very much appreciated that Senator O’Leary strongly articulated his opposition at the June 7th public hearing.

The absence of any statement by Representative Turkington of the Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket district (which is the primary legislative district for the Steamship Authority) greatly concerns me about his position. Where does he stand on the issue? Does he support Mr. Patrick or Senator O’Leary? Senator O’Leary clearly supports the islands’ choice for local control.

The Steamship Authority was originally created by the Massachusetts legislature to serve as a lifeline transportation system for the islands. Now is the time for the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to strengthen our alliance by working together with our representatives, Mr. Hanover of Martha’s Vineyard and Flint Ranney of Nantucket along with the port authority representatives.

It is better to have local control than have the state come in and attempt to influence the outcome of improving the Steamship Authority’s lifeline service to the islands.

— Jim Powell