Remember the infamous Epic letter where Judy Faulkner supports the plan to extend the runway? I suspected there was more to the story that maybe someone at the City prompted Judy Faulkner to write it and, given the extremely aviation-detailed nature of the letter text, possibly even composed it. Well, we have our answer: It turns out that Rich Morey worked with Judy Faulkner’s assistant to solicit and compose the letter. It was not spontaneous as they wanted everyone to believe.

What’s more, our open records request just yielded this gem of an email from Rich Morey to Ms. Faulkner’s assistant in which he states, “I would change most to most business jets. Smaller piston aircraft have no problems with inclement weather and our runway length.”

The runway extension has been framed as a “safety upgrade” throughout this process. At the same time, we’re constantly told that they don’t want to change the category of the airport or the type of plane that uses it. Well, then who are they trying to extend the runway for? According to Rich Morey, for business jets.

From: cfiirich@tds.net [mailto:cfiirich@tds.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 3:34 PM
To: Kara Rettenmund <>
Subject: Re: Letter from Epic to Airport Commission, and City of Middleton

Kara,

This looks good! The only thing I would change is in the sentence, ” it is unsafe for most aircraft to use Morey Field when there is inclement weather.” I would change most to most business jets. Smaller piston aircraft have no problems with inclement weather and our runway length.

Thank you so very much!

Richard Morey

—– Original Message —–From: Kara Rettenmund <>
To: cfiirich@tds.net
Sent: Tue, 12 Sep 2017 16:10:38 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Letter from Epic to Airport Commission, and City of Middleton

Hi Rich –We’re about to send these letters out, and I wanted you to proof this first. Anything you would add or change? Please let me know. Thanks.

Kara

Dear Mike,I am writing today in support of the proposal to extend Morey Field’s runway.

The current runway length of 4,000 feet at Morey Field cannot support take-off and landing for midsize or larger jets. In addition, for planes that are able to fly out of Morey Field, the length of Morey’s current runway can be prohibitive for using full passenger and weight load. This limitation may deter private owners and charter operators from using Morey Field.

Most importantly, it is unsafe for most aircraft to use Morey Field when there is inclement weather. Many flights that have been scheduled for departure from Morey are often rescheduled to departure from Dane County Regional airport on short notice due to inclement weather. A longer runway would allow pilots and passengers to utilize Morey during inclement weather and eliminate last minute changes for plane, crew, and airport scheduling and staffing.

The extension of Morey Field’s runway may bring a significant economic benefit to the Middleton area. Businesses, individuals, and charter operators would be able to hangar planes at Morey that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. Business travelers would also be able to fly into a more convenient location and stay in the Middleton area, rather than flying into other airports lengthening travel to companies they do business with.

Thank you for consideration of the proposal to extend the runway at Morey Field.

Sincerely,

Judith R. FaulknerCEOEpic