The News
Thursday 28 of March 2024

Gov. Snyder Reiterates he Won't Resign Over Flint Water Crisis


Gov. Snyder announces $28 million aid package to help with Flint's water crisis
Gov. Snyder announces $28 million aid package to help with Flint's water crisis
A document shows that Michigan blocked Flint from switching back to Detroit's water system

rick snyder
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

The top Democrat in the Michigan House is the first state lawmaker to call for Republican Gov. Rick Snyder’s resignation over Flint’s lead-contaminated water crisis.

House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (GREYE-muhl) said Wednesday that Snyder should step down because of “actions of negligence and indifference, and a culture he has created that lacks transparency and accountability.”

The city, which switched its water source in 2014 while under state financial management, is under a state of emergency. Lead from aging pipes leached into drinking water, and a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak potentially linked to the Flint River caused nine deaths.

The Flint River is seen flowing thru downtown in Flint, Michigan, in this December 16, 2015 file photo. At least six Environmental Protection Agency offficials discussed late last March the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Genesse County and a suspected link to Flint, Michigan's change in drinking water sources and were told the state would alert the public, the Detroit News reported February 12, 2016. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/Files
The Flint River is seen flowing thru downtown in Flint, Michigan. Photo: Reuters/Rebecca Cook.

A spokesman for Snyder could not immediately be reached. The governor, who has apologized, has refused to resign and says he is committed to fixing the problem.

Also, a document shows that Michigan blocked Flint from switching back to Detroit’s water system under the terms of a $7 million loan.