Stratford Mayor, Senator Oppose Sikorsky Airport Name Change

STRATFORD, CT — Two politicians have expressed their disagreement with the city of Bridgeport's move to change the name of the Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

The airport commission voted Friday to rename the airport to the Bridgeport Sikorsky Memorial Airport in a marketing move without any public input, the CT Post reported. Sikorsky, a Russian immigrant who died in 1972, is in the National Aviation Hall of Fame for his work developing types of modern aircraft.

Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick released a statement last week in her newsletter, ahead of the vote, opposing the change.

"I oppose the change of name as I feel it diminishes the honor given to Igor Sikorsky in recognition of his legacy which is so important to Stratford and our region," Hoydick said. "As Mayor of Stratford I have a seat and a vote on the Airport Commission, however Bridgeport holds all of the other seats."

As the CT Post reports, Hoydick was the only "no" vote on the name change.

Kevin Kelly, a Republican representing Stratford in the CT State Senate, also released a statement in response to Bridgeport's name change:

"This decision by a select few is a slap in the face to the memory of Igor Sikorsky and the community of Stratford. It shows disregard for the host community and also the Friends of Sikorsky, which represents current users, who oppose this change," he said. "It diminishes the honor of naming the airport after the incredible Igor Sikorsky and disregards the opposition and concerns raised by his family. Sikorsky airport is located in Stratford. It is very much a piece of our community and history. It is not right that this small group has decided to take it upon itself to rewrite its name without public input and ignoring the concerns raised by those in the community and Sikorsky’s own children."

The Friends of Sikorsky Airport said it was a "sad day for the legacy of one of the most significant aviation pioneers; Igor I. Sikorsky."