UPDATE | Transit drivers, officials thrilled over passage of measure

As of Friday, Island Transit’s proposal for a sales-tax increase had passed by a 55-45 percent margin, according to the latest vote tally from Island County elections staff.

The measure was passing with 13,942 “yes” votes to 11,320 “no” votes.

The news that Island Transit’s request for a three-tenths of 1 percent increase was approved came as good news to one bus driver.

“I was very concerned,” said Stefano Argenziano who, with just two years on the job, is fairly low on the seniority pole.

“This is my livelihood. I pay the mortgage and raise three beautiful girls as a single parent working as an operator. I watched the results very closely.”

Several days a week, Agenziano covers routes 7 and 8, which travel through Clinton, Langley, Scatchet Head and Bayview. These routes and several others were at serious risk of being cut or eliminated if the sales-tax measure failed.

“With this economy, I was fearful I’d have to move off-island and maybe even lose my home,” Agenziano said.

That changed the day after the primary.

When he picked up commuters at the Clinton ferry, they all wanted to know how the vote went.

“They were excited,” he recalled. “One fellow from Scatchet Head was really worried about losing his ride. It might have meant he’d lose his job on the mainland because he didn’t have a car.”

It became clear early on Election Night that voters were going to let the good times roll for the bus company.

Bus driver Mark Vance, a 10-year veteran on island roads, said he’s grateful to the voters for their support.

“Every day, I pick up the youth, elderly and disabled folks who wouldn’t be able to enjoy the community without Island Transit,” he said while stopped for riders on Anthes Avenue in Langley.

“We provide a vital service. Hey, we’re the little transit system that could.”

Waiting to put his bike on the rack on the front of Vance’s rig was Michael Patterson of Clinton.

“I ride the bus or my bike even though I have a car,” he said. “The bus fits my destinations and schedule and provides a great social experience.”

Those who didn’t vote were happy the measure passed, as well.

After spending a couple nights at a Langley bed-and-breakfast, honeymooners Andrew and Kristin Carlson from Wisconsin were looking for a way to get to the ferry.

“Back in Madison, it costs $2 for every ride,” Andrew Carlson said. “Great town, great ride, and we’ll pass the word when we get home.”

Contact South Whidbey Record Reporter Jeff VanDerford at jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com or (360) 221-5300.

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