Chesterfield Officials Voice Opposition to Selfridge Cuts

Chesterfield Township Board members are urging legislators to oppose personnel and equipment cuts to the Michigan Air National Guard in a resolution adopted unanimously during Monday night’s meeting.

“The proposed cut of 557 Air National Guard personnel from Selfridge is an unbalanced cut to the most efficient arm of the nation’s air defense,” the resolution states.

The Air Force has proposed to remove 24 A-10 Warthog fighter planes from Selfridge, while adding four KC-135 refueling aircraft, the Detroit News reported in April.

“This definitely needs to be addressed,” Trustee Brian Scott DeMuynck said during the meeting, held at on Sugarbush Road. “The latest, I believe, is they want to remove the A-10s and give us some old-style tankers.”

The adopted resolution states, “Chesterfield Board of Trustees urges the United States Congress and our representatives to oppose these cuts and encourages the Department of Defense to reconsider the valuable and cost effective contribution the Air National Guard makes to our national defense.”

After the meeting, Chesterfield Township Clerk Jan Uglis acknowledged that the funding may be difficult to obtain, but said she opposes any type of cuts relating to the military.

“We’re closing so many bases down here,” Uglis said. “This is one of the only ones that are left in Michigan and it’s something that’s been here for so long.”

“I just feel safer when they are around,” added Chesterfield Township Trustee Christine Bell.

Township Supervisor Mike Lovelock also encouraged residents who oppose the cuts to contact their legislators with concerns.

Fireworks Sales

During Monday night’s meeting, board members approved two requests to sell fireworks in the township. Both requests passed with a 4-3 vote.

Motor City Fireworks will put up a tent to sell fireworks at 29430 23 Mile Road from June 23 to July 4. TNT Fireworks will erect a tent to sell fireworks near Meijer at 27255 23 Mile Road from June 23 to July 4.