Pictured: 8th ward Flint resident, William “Bill” Harris addresses the Flint City Council April 11th 2023.
FLINT- At the April 11th Flint City council meeting, 8th ward resident, William “Bill” Harris took to the podium to address the council.
In his remarks, he pointed to the failure of the administration to properly handle the recent sewage back-up issues.
In addition, he begged a question to the council—- why has the distribution of bottled water stopped during the pipe replacement process?
Harris, a passionate Flint resident dedicated to public service, also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Flint Ethics and Accountability board.
In making his case, Harris told the council that ARPA money was set aside specifically to distribute free bottled water until all pipes were fully replaced.
To this day, Flint has not replaced all corrosive pipes in the city.
“Water is still a right as long as the pipes are being replaced” said Harris.
Harris said that he attended a previous meeting in which city officials failed to answer his questions.
ARPA money was in fact set aside to pay for bottled water, but the city has not took action to follow through.
Harris says he asked specific questions regarding the money allocated to bottled water because he wants the city residents to hear it for themselves.
The City council did not take action on Harris’ request to look into the bottled water distribution.
Flint Mayor, Sheldon A. Neeley, has also remained silent on the issue of complementary bottled water, prompting Harris to speak up.
Each member of the public is allowed three minutes to address the council. Harris’ full remarks can be viewed on the Flint City Council YouTube page during ‘public comments’ at about 2 hours and 15 minutes into the meeting April 11th.
FLINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING YOUTUBE LINK TO BACK-UP THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE:
Council members Eric Mays and Tonya Burns appeared to be the only elected officials cheering on Harris in agreement with his sentiment during the meeting.
It is still unknown as to when and if the city will spend the money allocated to use on free bottled water for the residents.
This was awesome and I totally agree with Mr. Harris and Councilman Mays and Councilwoman Burns. How can we allow this money to be spent on something else?
People are still lining up every Monday at Bethel United Methodist and on Tuesdays at Asbury United Methodist and on Thursdays at Greater Holy Temple COGIC looking for water at these Help Centers.
Exactly, everyone is quiet because they just want it to go AWAY!!! Not realizing that the City of Flint isn’t going to grow at a faster rate until people have trust and confidence in their city government.