Calling for civility above the hate speech of Trump elevates Snyder in a way that serves his purpose for a better public image.
November 9, 2018
Detroit — Gov. Rick Snyder (click here) has given another pitch for civility in government and politics.
Snyder spoke Friday at the Detroit Economic Club, taking friendly questions about his two terms from the head of DTE Energy. The Republican says a lack of civility is the "greatest threat" to the country.
Snyder says the focus should be on solving problems, not insulting people. He says he's most proud of keeping young people in the state and Detroit's turnaround, which began with a bankruptcy filing that he authorized. He says "enough was enough" in Detroit, after years of mismanagement and poor services.
Snyder didn't mention the Flint water crisis while on stage. Later, he said there were failures at all levels of government.
He doesn't plan to pursue another elective office in Michigan.
Snyder's failed administration hides from view. Don't tell me he isn't attempting to conceal the truth and avoid prosecution.
November 7, 2018By Veronica Meadows
This heat map (click here) was made by researchers Jacob Abernethy and Eric Schwartz using their predictive model to identify service lines. The blue represents areas predicted to have copper, or safe lines, the red predicts areas that have lead or galvanized lines and the black is where AECOM has dug up pipes in 2018.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (click here) was a no show at a Flint City Council hearing.
The council subpoenaed them to learn more about how state funds are being used for pipe replacement.
Since the MDEQ didn't show, project manager AECOM was front and center.
They're in charge of a five million dollar contract for Flint's FAST Start Service Line Replacement Program.
But the meeting also came with plenty of conflict.
A familiar sight at Flint City Council meetings: two councilmembers walking out after butting heads with Eric Mays.
Meanwhile AECOM answered several questions....
The Flint plan for replacing water pipes fell into criticism and now is used as the reason for continuing the city's dangerous water system. The city did not decide on the approach, their advisors allowed the faulty technology to be used. Why is it the victim is always to blame?
November 5, 2018
By Zahra Ahmed
..."The city's illogical approach (click here) means that hundreds of lead and steel pipes will likely stay in the ground and in use, and Flint families will remain in harm's way in the meantime," said Cyndi Roper from the NRDC.
Rather than checking homes documented to have hazardous pipes first, the city wants to dig up pipes at all 25,800 homes with active water accounts at its own pace.
The city referred all questions about its methods to AECOM, a Los Angeles-based engineering firm contracted for $5 million to oversee FAST Start.
Mayor Weaver doesn't have to call for civility, she continues to put one foot in front of the other to solve Flint's problems.
October 8, 2018
By Brianna Owczarzak
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver (click here) delivered the State of the City address on Thursday, Oct. 18.
“I think the things and programs that she’s got going is tremendous,” said Donald Stevens, Flint resident.
Flint residents are feeling confident about their city after Weaver’s third State of the City address.
“I’m able to stand here today and speak about the greatest comeback story of all time,” Weaver said.
The newly refurbished Capitol Theater was packed as Weaver delivered the good news about the city. She said more than 15,000 lead pipes have been replaced since the water crisis came to light. They are hoping to complete the rest soon.
“We are well on our way to meet our goal replacing all the known lead service lines in the city by the end of 2019,” Weaver said.
She also mentioned the generous donation from Elon Musk.
“Flint Community Schools will be installing new ultra violet water filtration systems for water fountains throughout all the school buildings,” Weaver said....
