November 2003’s vote that scuttled Kitsap Transit’s proposal to float foot-ferries to and from Seattle on taxpayer dollars didn’t go to Davy Jones’ locker for fiscal reasons alone.

Sure, the unfair tax burden was the biggest cannon ball to strike the concept down but when the topic was presented, some residents in North Kitsap also voiced concerns about this region getting too, big too quick and losing its charm as a result of improved ties to the Emerald City. As boating agencies, KT and the Port of Kingston seek to establish new options for the local service, these once-public voices are strangely silent.

Maybe not so strangely after all.

Perhaps Kingston residents are viewing the idea of passenger-only boats in a different light nowadays. One that sees flattering progress in the downtown corridor as opposed to additional traffic.

One that sees forward movement and growth, as opposed to the loss of its small town feel.

It is possible that this may happen.

But in order to make things work, Kitsap Transit’s commitment cannot simply end with its agreement to let Aqua Express run the service. KT must commit to improving mass transit to and from the dock, wherever it may be, to help reduce traffic impacts on the already jammed Highway 104.

The community needs some assurance that the new plans on the table will improve such patterns and will take into account the fact that this is a huge step for Kingston and one that should not be taken lightly.