Public records fleshed out ferry tip

Like many good newspaper stories, the ones last summer about dignitaries cruising on a state ferry, on the state's dime, during the tall ships festival at Beaufort came from a tip.

It started with an anonymous phone call from a man who left a message, offering only a couple of spare details about a possible party boat with public officials aboard. No times or dates. No phone number to follow up.

After a few phone calls to state officials, it was clear that those involved were reluctant to speak up. So it was largely public records that let the public find out what happened.

To this day, for example, state Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett has not agreed to an interview about the cruise aboard his department's ferry, manned by his employees. A memo from his agency, though, says the DOT "realizes that it should have had more appropriate protocols and requirements for use of its vessel at the tall ships event."

It was through records that the public learned:

* That the state ferry had been taken out of regular service for the cruise and replaced with a smaller ship, causing delays at the regular crossing.

* How much the cruise cost: more than $30,000 in state money.

* Details about the food, entertainment and gifts offered to those on board.

* Photos of the dignitaries as the ship was under way. A state employee took the photos, which were made available under a records request.

* What some of those aboard said about their trip in e-mail messages to the state Ports Authority, which sponsored the ride.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole's eastern regional director, Janet Bradbury, offered thanks "for a great ride," especially for her sister-in-law and a 5-year-old. State Rep. Russell Tucker, a Democrat from Duplin County, wrote, "The ferry ride was great, the food was delicious, and the fellowship fine."