Even though I'm in Arizona for the winter I still enjoy getting and reading the West Seattle Herald. The Feb. 13 issue had a rather drastic editorial, "Ferry Disaster."

I've been around Puget Sound now for almost 89 years and I have ridden them all. My first ferry ride was from Point Defiance to Gig Harbor on the old open air Tacoma YMCA bus to get to Camp Seymour. I guess that was in 1927, what a thrill for a little 8-year-old boy.

On my wedding day, March 7, 1942 I had two ferry rides to get from Port Townsend (Ft. Worden) to Tacoma. One was across Hoods Canal and the other was from Kingston to Edmonds on an old Greyhound bus.

For eight years our family rode the Bainbridge Ferry to work, school and for recreation. We always had to leave the Sonics games at the end of the third quarter in order to catch the 10:30 p.m. ferry.

But according to Jack Mayne's editorial our once great ferry system is in big trouble. Well what next?

I sincerely believe we need to take another look at bridges. In spite of the fact that bridges have had their problems they are the only long-term answer. Yes I know we built two Mercer Island bridges and lost one; we have built two Hood Canal bridges and lost one; we have also built two Narrows bridges and lost one. What a thrill it was to drive across old "Galloping Gertie." But I think by now we have learned our lesson and know how to properly build and insure some great bridges.

I don't know how many of you remember but under Gov. (Albert) Rossellini plans were all approved and actual land for approaches had been condemned to build a bridge from Fauntleroy to Vashon and from Vashon to Southworth. This concept is still realistic and much needed.

Also a bridge across Rich Passage would also be needed to serve Bainbridge and Poulsbo and beyond. You may call this a pipe dream but what other choices are there? These bridges would solve much of our cross sound traffic problem for this century and beyond.

Oh yes I can already hear the hue and cry of many who will be affected, but what other solution do we have? Oh yes money? No problem, the proper toll will provide the needed funds.

Harold Blackwell

Mesa, Ariz.