DETROIT — In his annual visit to the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Snyder didn't face questions from reporters about cars but instead about the ongoing water crisis playing out in Flintthat's now garnering national attention.
The usually positive visit, from the self-proclaimed 'relentless positive action' governor, was overshadowed this year by the fallout over what some feel was the state's inept and delayed response in addressing the crisis in Flint.
Asked why there appeared to be a delay from the state in requesting federal aid from FEMA for Flint, the governor said it was not delayed. Snyder said his administration didn't act sooner because they didn't have accurate information on the extent of the problem until as recently as October.
“There’s no delay, this is the normal process," he told reporters. "When you remember the floods here in Detroit, that took over 30 days to go through that process. It’s about doing it in a proper and efficient way.”
When questioned if the crisis will wind up defining his legacy, Snyder said it wouldn't.
"This isn’t my legacy. It is part of my legacy," he said. "I am responsible for the entire state operations, but there are many other good things going on and we’re working hard to recover from this."
After facing reporters, Snyder toured dozens of exhibits on the show floor and met with several automotive executives during each stop.
>> See highlights from Day 1 on the North American International Auto Show
Severallawmakers toured the show on Monday, including Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, and Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Michigan. President Barack Obama is scheduled to take his first tour of the show on Jan. 20.
