Steve Plamondon – Chair (Leelanau County)

Paul Beachnau – Vice-Chair (Grand Traverse County)

Darryl Nelson – Secretary (Otsego County)

Dan Jonkhoff (Grand Traverse County)

Doug DeYoung (Grand Traverse County)

Rob Hentschel (Grand Traverse County)

Will Bunek (Leelanau County)

James O’Rourke (Leelanau County)

Wayne Schmidt (Grand Traverse County)

Kevin Klein (Airport CEO, Not On The Board)

Dear [Board Member's Name],

I am writing to you today as a concerned resident of [Your County], deeply invested in the well-being and reputation of our cherished community. I understand you serve on the Northwest Regional Airport Authority (NRAA) Board, and I appreciate your dedication to overseeing Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).

Let me state unequivocally that I am pro-airport. TVC is a vital asset to Northern Michigan, connecting us for business, tourism, and personal travel. It brings convenience, economic opportunity, and accessibility that greatly benefit our region, and I value the hard work that has gone into making TVC a successful part of our local infrastructure.

However, the potential or actual involvement of TVC in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and deportation flights raises profound moral and ethical concerns that, for many of us, overshadow any perceived economic benefit. While the airport offers undeniable convenience, the core principles of right and wrong, and the fundamental dignity of all people, must always take precedence.

I am aware that Avelo Airlines, which operates flights in and out of TVC, holds a substantial $150 million contract to fly ICE detention flights. Furthermore, our community is located just 60 miles from the Midwest's largest ICE Detention facility, in Baldwin, MI. This proximity leads me to believe there is a high possibility of ICE detention or deportation flights utilizing TVC. I find this prospect deeply worrisome, not only on a moral and legal level, but also as a possible danger to our community.

I am not willing to sacrifice my personal morality for convenience, and neither should you. I believe the Northwest Regional Airport Authority should not be asked to compromise its ethical standing for profit. The use of our community's airport for operations that are widely viewed as inhumane and unconstitutional, contributing to the separation of families and the detention of individuals without due process, is simply unacceptable. Humanity must always outweigh profit.

Therefore, I respectfully but firmly urge you, and through you, the entire Northwest Regional Airport Authority, to make a public statement against ICE detention and deportation flights. Furthermore, I ask that the NRAA commit to not allowing ICE detention or deportation flights at TVC Cherry Capital Airport, now or in the future. Such a commitment would not only align TVC with the humanitarian values of our community but also protect our region's reputation from association with practices that cause widespread distress.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this critical matter. I believe that taking a clear stand on this issue is essential for TVC to truly reflect the values of the community it serves.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email (Optional)]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]