By Hank Winchester, Kelley Kosuda and Derick Hutchinson
Flint - Dr. Eden Wells (click here) will soon be on trial for involuntary manslaughter for her alleged role in the Flint water crisis. As the clock ticks down, Wells has just received a new job with the state, and taxpayers are footing the bill for her $180,000 salary.
Wells was previously appointed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder as the state's top medical executive. She remains in that role despite the charges, and now she's taken on a new job.
Her new position is one that was recently created. Some people believe it was created as a political move to protect Wells, who is at the center of the controversy.
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said she can't believe Wells landed the new job.
Wells learned earlier this month that she will head to trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter and lying to a law enforcement officer....
I believe most Americans would agree with Mayor Karen Weaver.
Mayor Karen Weaver had the following to say:
“I wish at this point that I could be shocked by the actions of MDHHS and state government, but I simply cannot. There is a saying about when people show you who they are, you better believe them. Since the beginning of this crisis who they are has been made clear, I believe them,” Weaver stated.
“To create a new position, a classified position, with protections in place, one where she was the only applicant, it’s just plain insulting. I understand that you are innocent until proven guilty in this country; but I would love to see how many people are allowed to be bound over for trial on manslaughter, lying to a police officer, and obstruction, get a new position within the governmental structure, that is protected. Not only is this a defiant laugh in the face of Flint residents, but this appears to be a blatant maneuver to keep the Governor-elect from making any decisions as far keeping or removing a very controversial employee.”...
The brain trust of the GOP is wanting. I have this nightmare that realizes far too late that the GOP's idea of education isolates the majority of Americans from higher education and returns the country to a time around the American Revolutionary War when only the wealthy could afford education at any level. The difference between the time of Benjamin Franklin and now is that those educated have no moral character or the appreciation of humanity. When I see someone like Dr. Wells elevated to high office through appointment I want to be pinched to wake me up from my nightmare only to realize I am awake.
