LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The mayor of Flint is asking President Barack Obama to visit her city, where lead has contaminated the water supply, caused health problems and put children at risk for developmental delays.
Mayor Karen Weaver told reporters that her message to the president is simple: “President Obama, come to Flint.”
Weaver spoke after an informational hearing Wednesday on Flint led by Democratic lawmakers. Democrats said the session was needed after Weaver and other officials were not invited to a GOP-led hearing last week that devolved into partisan accusations over blame for the crisis.
Flint’s water became contaminated after the city, while under emergency state management, switched from the Detroit system to drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money.
Weaver said the meeting helped to “keep Flint in the spotlight” and pressure state and federal officials to do more to help the city.
