Airport Commission chairman John Hallick has passed away
John Hallick, the chairman of the Middleton Airport Commission, died on Saturday, March 4, at the age of 71 in Sarasota, Florida (pictured in a screenshot from the September 1, 2022 Airport Commission meeting). A successful businessman and avid pilot, among many other passions, philanthropic activities and civic engagements, he was instrumental in the development of Middleton Municipal Airport - Morey Field. He served on the Airport Commission for many years, including as its chairman since 2019, skillfully steering it through the turbulence of the Airport Management Plan process. Respected for his knowledge and expertise, he was a fierce defender of the airport's interests and financial autonomy, and he did not hesitate to take on the Common Council when he felt that either were threatened. But while he was uncompromising in his loyalty to the airport, he was also a consensus-builder who listened to other points of view on the Airport Commission, and more often than not helped forge compromises, even if it meant stepping back from his own original, bolder proposals. He leaves a legacy that will not soon be forgotten and a vacancy that will not be easy to fill.