Born and raised in South Buffalo, Tim Russert was one of the most well-respected, prominent, vocal, and proud natives of Buffalo ever to gain national notoriety. A lawyer, political strategist, and journalist, Russert became the longest tenured moderator of NBC's Meet the Press. 

Russert's reputation for journalistic fairness and a devoted family man reflected his working-class Buffalo roots. On air, he was witty and knowledgeable about politics, and he always treated the audience as an equal. His deep love of his hometown was always evident. 

The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport is the gateway to greater Buffalo, used by people from throughout the world. 2018 will mark the 10th anniversary of Russert's passing, and he deserves a lasting, prominent memorial in his hometown. 

For the NFTA to rename Buffalo's airport as "Tim Russert International Airport" would be a fitting tribute to the memory of one of Buffalo's best-known and most beloved evangelists, and we urge the NFTA Board of Commissioners to do that to coincide with the completion of recently expansion and improvements to the BNIA.