FYI - a lot of my class has left Mesa since last year. Going to other regionals/135/etc. Some received a phone call/email regarding the required training expense that was shifted to the employee and others nothing. Those contacted either didn't respond or expressed their desire to have Mesa eat the cost. I'm speaking a little above my pay grade but getting a financially broke FO to pay back $17k is a waste of time. Also- google the case of the city of Los Angeles and the training expenses/contract for LAPD officers. Pilots are specifically mentioned as an example. You come to your own conclusion. I'm not a lawyer and not saying Mesa's contract is illegal but it does shed light on what may be a very marginal agreement. In total...I wouldn't let the possibly illegal letter stop me from getting out of a demoralizing work environment/company that will probably always lag the industry and is not respected by the major airlines I wanted to work for in the future. Don't be afraid to leave. Move on... it's easy in today's regional industry.... that will change and you could be stuck there.