Shepler's Ferryboat service is under attack.

In July, rumors of Mackinac Island proposing a single franchise  agreement down from three began circulating in the straights area.   Then, a rumor of a merger of Star Line and Arnold Transit came out.   Even as the GM of star line Mike North was denying this, it seems it  was a done deal.  Reportedly, attorney Jim Wynn, by then owner of Arnold line, had already penned a  deal for a $21 Million short term loan to facilitate the buyout and  ownership of the two as a single entity to be called the Northern Ferry  Company.

Such a purchase requires a solid revenue stream to pay back.

One that 'competition' only makes more questionable.

A single franchise, (more commonly known as a monopoly) given by the  Island council would protect such an investment.  It would allow money  saving measures such as reducing the number of trips to the island for  cost savings by having fuller boats, reduced advertising and potentially  higher fares. (though Wynn has said they would not be)  A single  service according to Wynn, would result in the Island receiving a higher  revenue from the single franchisee than they do currently. According to the Petoskey News, Wynn's attorney Erik Stone points out:

"It's not a monopoly any more than having a single cable company or  electric company isn't a monopoly," Stone said. "What Jim is proposing  is significantly better service and a much higher percentage of  franchise fees to the city."

At a Mackinac Island City Council  meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20, Wynn told the city council that if  Northern Ferry Company was granted the sole franchise, he would be able  to lower ticket prices, increase freight service and offer service  year-round. He also offered an increase in the franchise fee to the  city.

Currently, the city collects about $300,000 a year from the  three ferry companies combined. Wynn proposed his new company would  offer a minimum of $1.2 million to the city annually.

Something has to give right?

As the City has indicated it might only franchise Northern ferry  ALREADY..  Perhaps it has already been the moral compass of a couple of Mackinac Island commissioners?

Two of the commissioners have direct ties to the new Northern Ferry Company.  One of the council members, Alderman Mike Hart works  FOR Northern.  He apparently runs the freight department  the same  freight department that has exclusive 24-7 license to service the  island.  For eight years, Sheplers has been operating under an agreement  that they cannot run freight past 1030AM.  Sheplers BTW apparently OWNS  their dock.

Alderman Sam Barnwell employs Jim Wynn as family attorney (his business )  and is the owner of  the Iriquois Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Both of these men weighing in on the PURCHASE of UTP property on Mackinac island BY the city.  UTP harbor property OWNED by Mr Wynn.

How convenient.

Lets see..  to recap..

   
• Family run company which employs 150 and has been around for 65 years finds livelihood threatened by government 'new rule'.

   
• Government imposed monopoly promises benefits operation which is owned by Jim Wynn

   
• Wynn has big bills to Pay

   
• Wynn EMPLOYS One of the government 'deciders'

   
• Wynn is Employed BY one of the 'deciders'

   
• Wynn is selling harbor property to the city entity which also has those 'deciders' weighing in on the purchase.

   
• 34 year veteran Mayor Margaret Doud oblivious, to what to some, might seem obvious..  Somewhat MIA?

Jason - one more for you - Dennis Cawthorn of Kelley and Cawthorn, public advisor and lobbyists in Lansing. Dennis Cawthorn is vice-chair and Frank Kelley is chair of Mackinac Island State Park. Cawthorn is also a large property owner on the Island. Cawthorn is also the advisor and lobbyist for Wynn, listed in Northern Ferry Proposal as primary advisor to Northern Ferry.

correction - In a previous version of this article I had mistakenly named Mike North the OWNER of the star Line. He was the General Manager.