Follow up: state official reacts to local call for more aid, recalls early federal reluctance
By Jan Worth-Nelson Contacted after Flint Mayor Karen Weaver and the city’s congressional delegation called for the State of Michigan to contribute more to the city’s water crisis recovery efforts, Richard Baird, senior advisor to Governor Rick Snyder and “transformation manager,” a familiar face and voice in Flint since early this year, had an answer of his own. Baird, a Flint native who has called himself...
Key players for Flint celebrate federal funds, pledge speedy pipe replacement
By Jan Worth-Nelson A smiling quintet of powerful Flint champions assembled at the Riverfront Center in downtown Flint today to celebrate approval last week of a $170 million aid package passed by Congress to address the Flint water crisis. They also clearly called out the State of Michigan, which they agreed is principally at fault for the water debacle, repeating admonitions for the State to step up to its responsibilities not just...
$170 million water infrastructure aid act clears Senate, awaits President’s signature
The following press release, announcing approval of The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, was provided jointly by the offices of Senator Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Gary Peters and Congressman Dan Kildee. It was issued early this afternoon after a morning press call. The act authorizes about $100 million in infrastructure aid for Flint and $70 million for other communities affected by lead and water issues....
Judge Beagle, Pastor Sherm McCathern named Sybyl Award winners
By Jan Worth-Nelson Judge Duncan Beagle of the Seventh Judicial Circuit and Probate Courts, and Pastor Robert “Sherm” McCathern, pastor of the Joy Tabernacle and a Civic Park Community activist, were named the 2016 Sybyl Award winners tonight at the Genesys Conference Center from among a group of 15 nominees. Virginia Landaal, a College Cultural neighborhood philanthropist and community volunteer, was given a...
Flint aid package headed to Senate after House passage
By Jan Worth-Nelson A $170 million aid package bill for Flint passed the U.S. House Thursday and headed for the Senate where local authorities hope it will be given the same approval. In a prepared statement, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver stated, “Today the U.S. House did something we’ve long been waiting for, by voting for a $170 million package that would help the City of Flint recover from the water crisis that has affected our city for...