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Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Brenda Hartman [qbhartman@frontier.com] . ,o-,,i>j-U,rA| 

Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 1:14 AM . Jr^n^lUj^!:-,, 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) y ^ J -:_) Lri : v\ilUi :c 

Subject: Docket DOT-OST-2009-0300 1 / 

2'M ^ni^ 2\ A !!: 50 

My iiusband and I are just average citizens who occasionally fly somewhere on vacation, or to visit kids when I don't want 

to take too many days off of work to get somewhere by car. We also fly when our one daughter decides to gift us with 

tickets to their home. In the more distant past we always flew out of Midland because the rate always seemed cheaper. 

However, that usually meant the expense of a motel room five miles from the airport because of the early departure and to 

eliminate any worry about bad roads or car trouble so close to flight time. Then my daughter started flying to see us and 

she would fly into Alpena airport. After she did that several times and all went well we started to look at things differently 

and we tried it ourselves. It was so much nicer to not have to go a day early and not have a 3 hour drive back to Alpena 

on our return trip when we might be more tired. I even encouraged my sister to fly in here in October of this year when 

she came to visit. I have always read the paper closely about the struggles of airline companies trying to have enough 

passengers each year to make coming here worthwhile for them. I have also noticed that numbers have been going up 

and if the airline is dependable and isn't always having delays, people will flyfrom here. "I.wksquite dismayed to see that 

one of the options was from an airline that was going to an airport that did not have the connecting flights to places that 

we go. It costs a lot more money for a ticket to have to pay for two different airlines to get somewhere. Since I am 64 and 

my husband is 69 we also have a lot more bathroom issues than we used to, and I would never get on a^plane that didn't 

have a bathroom or an attendant. If we end up with that kind of service here, we will revert back to flying out of Midland or 

Sault Ste Marie where it looks like Delta will still be flying out of. It would definitely be a backward step for our area.* 

Thank you. Brenda M. Hartman 

(Sorry about the testing email. Mine wouldn't go through until I clicked onto the actual link Billi McRoberts sent to me.) 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Bryan Dort [bryandort@gmail.com] 

Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:55 AM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Cc: senator@levin.senate.gov; senator@stabenow.senate.gov 

Subject: Alpena Airport Concerns 

Mr. Adams, 

As a traveling computer consultant, I am writing you today to express my concerns about the 

recent bids for service for the air service at Alpena County Regional Airport in Alpena, 

Michigan. The bids received will not service the Alpena community and does not give us'crleg^-

expectations on ticket prices. 

-•' • 

We need guaranteed code sharing along with a gateway airport that provides more choice of v 

services. Cleveland is not a gateway airport and would add an extra stop to most flights. 

This adds time and expense to our travelers. • •. 

The aircraft proposed in the bid are much smaller and do not have restrooms. Although the 

air time is 45 minutes to Cleveland, the actual time on the plane is much longer. 

Alpena's traffic is up two years in a row and the projections based on economic development 

projects and activity show continued increases in traffic. Cancelled seats are currently 

being used when figuring load factors and are driving that percentage down. Seats on 

cancelled flights should not be counted as open seats when figuring load factors. My 

understanding is that recent improvements to the airport caused traffic patterns to be 

affected and may have caused enplanements to be affected negatively. 

I am requesting that the DOT re-bid the service to Alpena. We need more time to find a 

better solution and find a carrier that will service the community appropriately. 

Thank you for your time. 

Sincerely, 

Bryan Dort. 

127 N North St. 

Alpena, MI 49707 

bryandortOgmail.com 

cc: US'Senator Carl Levin: senator(a)levin.senate.gov US Senator Debbie Stabenow: 

senatoriSstabenow.senate.gov US Congressman Dr. Dan Benishek 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Darlene Garant [garantsoffice@yahoo.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 12:24 PM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: Airline Service to Alpena 

Please do not award the bid to the lewdest bidder. It is not practical to fly to Cleveland when we have a major 

hub like Detroit in our own state! Keep the business in Michigan! 

Thanks....Bill Garant 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Dort, Lesslee [dortl@northwood.edu] 

Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:58 AM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Cc: senator@levin.senate.gov; senator@stabenow.senate.gov 

Subject: Alpena Ml air service 

I urge you not to award the air service bid for Alpena to the current bidder. In the past two years alone, 

Alpena's traffic is up and our projections, based on economic development projects and activity, show 

continued increases in traffic. 

The Alpena community has been steadily turning the economic corner. Our businesses rely on timely, reliable 

air service. Without a viable airport we stand to lose significant dollars. Two key examples are the Alpena 

Combat Readiness Training Center and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Each must have reliable 

air service that the current bids do not meet. New business opportunities ctDnsidering Alpena will look 

elsewhere if transportation needs are less than satisfactory. ?*.-.;> *. 

We need guaranteed code-sharing (integrated reservation system). " " "• '• 

Over 3 million dollars in Essential Air Service subsidy for less service is not a good use of taxpayer 

money. 

If Alpena passengers experience a cancelled flight in Cleveland, there are very few options in getting 

home when compared to Detroit. 

The current bid does not give us clear expectations on ticket prices in all situations. 

The planes proposed are much smaller - with no restrooms. Although the air time is 45 minutes, the 

actual time on the plane is much longer, possibly leaving people in a very uncomfortable situation. 

The current bidder does not have a strong network of support. There are a limited number of planes 

available for them to serve their market(s) so where does that leave us when a plane experiences 

mechanical issues? 

Cleveland is not a gateway airport and would add an extra stop to most flights. This adds time and 

expense to our travelers. 

We need more time on this because the issue is more about lack of competition than it is about cost 

and we need time to find the best solution for all parties involved. 

Cancelled seats are currently being used when figuring load faptors and are driving that percentage 

. down. Seats on cancelled flights should not be counted as op^-^eats when figuring load factors. 

Please re-bid air service to Alpena so we can find a better solution.*. 

Kindly, 

Lessle e Dort | Alpena Program Center Manager 

Northwood University | Adult Degree Program 

phone 989.358.73021 fax 989.358.7237 

email: dortl@ north wood.eciu | Discover the Leader in You 

Open advising hours : Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:00am - 2:00pm 

m i Facebook 

Search on Northwood University - ADP Alpena 

Click on the blue NU logo, become a fan today 

P Please consider the environment before printing tliis email. 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: jiudwigs [gjludwig@charter.net] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 10:51 PM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: RE: AIRLINES IN ALPENA MICHIGAN 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, 

WE DO NOT WANT THE AIRLINES SERVICING ALPENA, MICHIGAN TO CHANGE. WE DO USE ALPENA AIRLINES 

THAT FLIES TO DETROIT, MICHIGAN & WISH TO HAVE IT CONTINUE. WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN FLYING OUT 

OF ALPENA & GOING TO ANOTHER STATE ESPECIALLY WITH AN AIRLINES THAT DOES NOT HAVE BATHROOM 

FACILITIES. 

THANK YOU. 

GLORIA & JIM LUDWIG 

ALPENA, MICHIGAN 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: MaryBeth Englund [mbenglund@gmail.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 3:40 PM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: Say no to Gulfstream Air 

Kevin, 

We are very devastated about the loss of Delta service in Alpena. As local residents who fly very regularly, we 

hope you will pursue a carrier other than Gulfstream Air. We need to be able to fly on an airline with larger 

planes and one that is able to accrue frequent flyer points. 

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further. 

Sincerely, 

Mary Beth and Kevin Englund 

9893569618 

mbenglund@ grhail.com * „ 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Mikaela Overton [kaylaoverton8@gmail.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 5:41 PM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: Airlines 

Dear Kevin, 

Here in Alpena we really dont want Gulfstream Air. Delta has done so much for us and is so much more 

convenient as well. Cleveland is not a much needed stop like Detroit. Please help us and not take Delta out of 

Alpena. 

Thank you, 

Mikaela 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Northland Interiors [northlandinteriors@yahoo.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 1:13 PM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Alpena does not want Gulf Stream Air....why would Alpena go backwards instead of offering a better 

airlines???? 

•J..A,. .,-
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Phil Agius [sigrho1374@chartermi.net] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:11 AM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: Alpena Airport 

Hi Mr Adams, 

As an Alpena business owner & regular user of our airport facilities, I would like to urge you NOT to award the current 

high bidder the air service contract. I would find my time far better spent driving to Traverse City or Saginaw and 

catching a flight than going through the rigors of flying to Cleveland, then on to another actual hub, then onto my 

destination. 

I don't know what other options are available, but we really need to be connected to a major hub, either Detroit or 

Chicago, for flying to make sense to anyone in our area. I'm sure you realize this, but with current scheduling of flights, a 

three-leg trip is going to take up the better part of a day. If we were to depart Alpena at 7 AM, I need to be at the airport 

at least 45 minutes early, typically more like 60 to be safe. That means at best rising at 5:30 AM to get ready & get to the 

airport (for those of us that live in town). Once my flight (hoping it departs on time) gets me to Cleveland at 8,1 have at 

least 30 minutes of connection time - you know as well as I do that this is typically not the case, which means my next 

flight from Cleveland would depart at 9 AM with what I'd consider a "good" connection. From Cleveland, maybe I fly 

back to Detroit, Chicago, or even Newark if I choose Continental - in most cases this will be an hour flight, putting me in 

a hub at 10:00 AM if everything goes right. With my next hour layover, I'm leaving the hub at 11:00 AM & probably have 

an hour or two for my last flight, putting me at my destination at 1:00 in the afternoon - by the time I get my luggage I'm 

out the door at 2:00 PM - nine hours after I woke up. I said this above but you & I both know one hour connections are 

rare and with even one delay my day is shot trying to reschedule my flight. On top of this, I can only imagine checking 

baggage on one airline & getting it transferred to another on time will be a roll of the dice at best. 

• t' . 

If I get up "at the same time and^dfive to Tra.verse City 7 about 2:15 for the drive, I can get up at 5:30 AM, be on the road 

at 6:00, and on an airplane at 9:00 AM - getting to a hijb by 10:00 AM, and on my way to my destination at 11:00 AM. I'll 

arrive at the same time but with a lot better reassurance that I won't be missing a connection or spending all day 

rescheduling & trying to get where I'm going. For a parking fee of $30 or so,'1'n tafke the short drive any day of the week 

instead qf being in the airline system all day. 

fdo not know what problem Delta seems to have trouble overcoming in flying into Alpena, but last week I flew out on a 

jet that was nearly full, as was my return flight. I don't mind paying a bit extra to "fly from nearby" for decent service 

that gets me to a hub in an hour. I have two other trips scheduled in the next 60 days with Delta and sincerely hope we 

can keep them here, or at least find a suitable alternative. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my rant, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

Best regards, 

Phil Agius, owner 

Frank's Key & Lock Shop/ 

Framon Manufacturing Company, Inc. 

989-916-9282 (cell) 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: scott bays [amberandscott@hotmail.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:04 PM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

To whom it may concern: 

This e-mail is in regards to the current dilemma that Alpena County is facing with Delta Airlines. We the community of 

Alpena do not want Gulfstream Air here due to small aircraft and less connectivity in Cleveland. It is imperative to our city 

that we have an alternative option that will provide equal or better services than our current system. We are asking that 

more time and consideration be put into a decision that wiH have such a profound impact on our community. Please use 

the expertise, knowledge and concerns of those in our area and areas similiar to ours to make a sound desicion that will 

benefit Northeast Michigan, not knock us one step further down the peg. Our economy and growth depends deeply on 

our airport. We greatly appreciate the time and effort everyone is putting into this and are praying that the right decisions 

be made. 

Thank you. 

Amber and Scott Bays 

•••*C -

f • -• -
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: staceymcewen@frontier.com 

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:34 AM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: Alpena air service 

Kevin, 

I am a travel agent in Alpena. I am very concer^ned about the proposal from Gulfstream. I have 

read it over and also did look into the airline and Cleveland airport and the type of 

aircraft they would like to bring here. This is just not a good option for the travelers of 

Alpena.First the porposal states that it is contingent upon United's approval. We shouldn't 

even be considering an airline that is on the middle of a merger and might not be picked up 

by the new carrier to codeshare. The aircraft is too small to fly in and out of here in the 

winter«and across Lake Erie. They would be canceling far too often. Also the connecting 

•flights from Cleveland are not that good. Our passengers will have another stop or two after 

Cleveland before reaching their final destination. Also, Cleveland does not offer a very good 

number of international flights. Many of our clients have expressed concern over not having a 

bathroom on board and if they have a flight cancellation in Cleveland and not having any 

other Michigan options for flights or driving. For the money they want it seems like we can 

get someone better. As a travel agent in this community I can tell you that if Gulfstream is 

brought in we will send our clients to Saginaw. That is what I would do myslef and that is 

what I will advise my clients to do. 

Thank You, 

Stacey McEwen 

World Wide Travel 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: 

Sent: 

To: 

Subject: 

Torsch-Thomson, M. Susan [SThomson@ibcp.com] 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 2:01 PM 

Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Air service to Alpena 

Kevin, I urge you to not award the air service bid to the current bidder. Flying to Cleveland is stepping backward from 

Detroit and will impact the ability for Alpena to compete globally when it comes to economic development. To be on a 

plane for one or two hours with no restroom is a nightmare for senior citizens and adults with little children. If 

stranded in Detroit, we can rent a car and drive home much more economically than if stranded in Cleveland. The 

Essential Air Service subsidy is a very poor use of taxpayer dollars-it is double what is currently paid to Delta for less 

service than Delta provides. 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Turning Brook [turningbrook@rlmgmt.com] 

Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 8:35 AM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: airport 

Dear Keven, 

I just want to let you know that as a business woman in Alpena, I am very depen4ent on our Alpena Regional Airport. I 

urge you not to let it go to the present bidder. Flying into Cleveland is just too uhdependable and certainly not 

convenient for travel. 

Thank you for your attention to this. ^ . • • .. 

Carolynnc Wegmcycr Vi-v^- ;-.:;?/ 

3W.Ktoib«»w i)rtve, Alpetia, Michsaan 4<Ji70? 

FM (')S'>).1M-42<»- FAX (9S'>>15+-J2J t 

'f-

«•?;: 
Adams, Kevin (OST) 

From: Wayne Kowalski [sevankinc@yahoo.com] 

Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 7:26 AM 

To: Adams, Kevin (OST) 

Subject: Alpena air service 

Mr. Adams, 

The Alpena area needs to retain our service from Delta Airline. This community would truly suffer if lost. Many 

residents use this airline and the flights we've personally used have been full or near full. 

Business persormel I have spoken to have commented on how important this service is to them. This is a remote 

but proud conmiunity that is struggling to survive and our business community has an advantage to having 

Delta service. 

The proposed service to Cleveland would be a disaster. I'm sure you know the details, I won't expand. 

I urge you to help us in continuing with Delta. " 

Thank«you, ^ , . ' . » ^: ' \ 

Jill Kowalsk i •"••':• . * * .